WITH scorching summer temperatures pulling residents into the sunshine, Hampshire County Council is stepping up its advice to adults and children to be ‘tick aware’ while spending time outdoors.

The authority says keeping to footpaths and avoiding long grass when out walking is the best way to avoid being bitten by ticks, which can carry bacteria that cause diseases, such as Lyme disease.

Other advice to walkers in wooded or heath areas known to have a high tick population, such as the New Forest, includes wearing appropriate clothing in tick-infested areas; using insect repellents; and dressing in brightly coloured clothes.

Ticks are found in moist areas of dense vegetation or long grass in woodland, grassland, moorland, heathland and some urban parks and gardens. They can be found throughout the year, but are most active between spring and autumn.

Cllr Patricia Stallard, member for public health, said: “Ticks are often found in wooded areas or long grass and they can easily attach themselves to an animal or person as they brush by. They may be tiny but they can transmit bacteria that cause diseases such as Lyme disease, so it’s important to cover up and be on the lookout for bites.”

If you do get bitten by a tick, removing it quickly and correctly can help to reduce any potential risk. The only safe way to remove a tick is to use a pair of fine-tipped tweezers, or an easy-to-use device which can be purchased from pharmacies. Once removed, apply antiseptic to the bite area and keep an eye on it for several weeks for any changes.