As temperatures are set to hit 33°C in the UK next week, Brits have been urged to take extra care against tick bites this summer. The warm weather and frequent rainfall are creating prime conditions for these blood-sucking bugs, according to a GP.
Lyme disease cases on the rise
The warning comes as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reports that Lyme disease remains the most common vector-borne disease in England, with 1,168 laboratory-confirmed acute cases recorded in 2025 alone. Health officials note that tick bites increase significantly during late spring and peak in June, making this one of the highest-risk periods of the year for exposure.
Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, explains: 'Higher temperatures and spells of rain create the damp conditions ticks need to survive and remain active. So, people may be more likely to encounter ticks in long grass, woodland, heathland and other green spaces.'
What does a tick bite look like?
A telltale sign is a small red bump, similar to a mosquito bite. The bites are not always painful, so it is important to check your skin for ticks and bites after being outdoors. Although most tick bites do not result in illness, some ticks can carry bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
'The good news is that the overall risk of developing Lyme disease remains relatively low, and not every tick carries the bacteria responsible for the infection,' Dr Wylie says. 'However, it’s important not to dismiss symptoms if they develop after a bite.'
Early symptoms of Lyme disease
An early sign includes a spreading circular rash that looks like a bullseye, present in 70% of cases. This can be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, muscle aches and fever. The rash can develop up to three months after a bite, but typically appears within the first month.
How to remove a tick safely
If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool, available from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, slowly pull upwards without squeezing or crushing it, then dispose of it. Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water.
'Avoid twisting, squeezing or attempting home remedies such as petroleum jelly, nail varnish or heat, as these methods can increase the risk of complications,' Dr Wylie advises.
Risks of untreated Lyme disease
If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more serious complications, including dizziness, nerve pain, facial paralysis, irregular heartbeat, and arthritis. 'One of the challenges is that many people never realise they’ve been bitten,' Dr Wylie explains. 'Ticks can be extremely small, and their bites are usually painless. By the time symptoms develop days or weeks later, the original bite may have been forgotten.'
A few people treated for Lyme disease may continue to have symptoms like tiredness, aches and loss of energy for years. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
Preventing tick bites
Ticks are not confined to remote countryside areas; they can be found in local parks, nature reserves, woodland paths and even overgrown gardens. To prevent bites, wear long trousers and long sleeves where practical, tuck trouser legs into socks, and wear light-coloured clothing to spot ticks easily. Use insect repellents containing DEET for additional protection.
After outdoor activities, check your body thoroughly. Ticks commonly attach behind the knees, around the waistline, in the groin, under the arms, and along the scalp. Also check children and pets.
'People should absolutely continue to enjoy the outdoors,' Dr Wylie says. 'Walking, cycling and spending time in nature are fantastic for both physical and mental health. However, a quick tick check at the end of the day could be one of the simplest health precautions people take this summer.'
