Our changing climate is resulting much milder winters and hotter summers.
Already, we are seeing signs of animals establishing themselves in this warmer version of the UK.
Asian hornets and European Paper Wasps are becoming more common, basking sharks are swimming around our shores, while birds like the Cattle Egret and Little Egret are increasingly spotted here.
Then there’s the tick…
Milder winters are making making tick season start earlier and last longer – what’s more, new varieties are taking hold in our countryside.
“The numbers do appear to be increasing,” says Professor Sally Cutler, a medical microbiologist at the University of East London. “We’re seeing different types of ticks establishing in the UK, so it all points towards that.”
Ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can spread disease when they bite.
The most well-known problem is Lyme disease. About 4% of ticks carry the bacteria that cause this, which can lead to aches, fatigue, joint pain and neurological problems.
Ticks also spread the Babesia parasite, which infects red blood cells causing symptoms ranging from mild flu-like illness to severe, life-threatening disease.
Or there’s ‘Tick-Borne Encephalitis’ (TBE), which leads to brain swelling.
How to avoid tick-based diseases
With tick populations on the rise, it’s important to take steps to protect yourself.
Be cautious in wooded, bushy, and grassy areas, especially during peak tick season. On country walks, wear long sleeves, long trousers, and tuck your trousers into your socks to minimise the amount of exposed skin.
I also recommend you use a natural repellent like our recommended ‘Bug Soother’, which is full of potent ingredients that biting insects hate.
It’s also far safer to use than horrible chemical repellents that leave an oily residue and harm the environment.
You can find out more about it here: Natural Repellent
Anyway, take precautions but don’t let ticks put you off wonderful walks in the countryside this summer!
