Lyme disease remains the most common vector-borne illness in England, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reporting 1,168 laboratory-confirmed acute cases recorded in 2025 alone. While the overall number has fluctuated — 1,581 cases were confirmed in 2024, a 5.2% decrease from the previous year — health officials estimate the true annual figure in England and Wales could be between 2,000 and 3,000, as many cases are diagnosed clinically without laboratory testing. The warning comes as temperatures are expected to reach 33°C in parts of the UK next week, with warm weather and frequent rainfall creating the damp conditions ticks need to survive and remain active.
Dr Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, has urged anyone spending time outdoors this summer to take extra care. “Higher temperatures and spells of rain create the damp conditions ticks need to survive and remain active,” she said. “So, people may be more likely to encounter ticks in long grass, woodland, heathland and other green spaces.” Ticks are not confined to remote countryside: they can also be found in local parks, nature reserves, woodland paths and even overgrown gardens. The dominant species in the UK is the sheep or deer tick (Ixodes ricinus), a main vector for Lyme disease, though other species such as Dermacentor reticulatus and Haemaphysalis punctata are also present.
Health officials have pointed out that tick bites increase significantly during late spring and peak in June, making this one of the highest-risk periods of the year. Activity begins to rise from March, and milder winters and warmer springs — linked to climate change — are shifting seasonal patterns and allowing ticks to thrive. The expansion of urban areas into greenbelts and higher deer and animal populations also contribute to more favourable tick habitats and greater human exposure.
The risks of untreated Lyme disease
Most tick bites do not result in illness — in the UK, approximately 4% of ticks carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, though this can range from 0% to 20% in different areas and years, sometimes reaching 8–10% in specific regions. European studies suggest only 1% to 5% of tick bites lead to infection. “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 said. “However, it’s important not to dismiss symptoms if they develop after a bite.”
The early signs of Lyme disease are often subtle. A spreading circular rash, described as a “bullseye” or target shape, appears in about 70% of cases. It can develop up to three months after a bite but is typically noticeable within the first month. On darker skin tones, the rash may not look like a classic bullseye and can instead resemble a bruise. About 30% of infected people do not develop a rash at all. Accompanying symptoms can include flu-like illness — fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. “One of the challenges is that many people never realise they’ve been bitten,” Dr Wylie explained. “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.” Nymph ticks, which are less than 2mm in size, are particularly easy to miss.
If Lyme disease is left untreated, it can lead to more serious complications. According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), these include dizziness, nerve pain, facial paralysis, an irregular heartbeat, and arthritis. Severe cases may also involve severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, and memory problems. A small number of people treated for Lyme disease continue to experience long-term symptoms such as tiredness, aches, and loss of energy that can persist for years. The reason for this is not fully understood, but those affected are advised to return to their doctor. Treatment with antibiotics is most effective when started early — a GP will usually prescribe a course lasting 17 to 28 days. If the characteristic bullseye rash is present, treatment can begin immediately without waiting for a blood test. Blood tests may be negative in the early stages of the infection, and severe cases may require intravenous antibiotics in hospital. Prophylactic (preventative) antibiotics after a tick bite are not generally recommended in the UK.
While Lyme disease is the primary concern, ticks in the UK can also carry other illnesses, though these are far rarer. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) has been found in specific areas such as Thetford Forest, the Hampshire/Dorset border, the New Forest, and the North Yorkshire Moors, but the risk to the public is considered very low, with only a small number of locally acquired human cases since 2019. Babesiosis, a parasitic infection that causes malaria-like symptoms, is also rare in humans in the UK, and cases of anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are very few.
How to prevent tick bites
Prevention remains the most effective strategy. Dr Wylie recommends that when walking in areas where ticks are known to be present, people should wear long trousers and long sleeves where practical and consider tucking trouser legs into socks. Light-coloured clothing makes it easier to spot ticks before they attach. Insect repellents containing DEET offer additional protection, and permethrin-treated clothing can also be used. Sticking to clearly defined paths and avoiding brushing against vegetation helps reduce exposure.
After spending time outdoors, a thorough tick check is essential. Ticks commonly attach behind the knees, around the waistline, in the groin, under the arms, and along the scalp. “Checking children and pets is also important, as ticks can easily go unnoticed,” Dr Wylie said. Clothes worn outdoors should be washed at 60°C or above, and tumble drying on high heat can kill any remaining ticks.
If a tick is found attached, it should be removed as soon as possible. Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull upwards steadily without twisting, squeezing, or crushing it. Clean the bite area 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 said. If mouthparts break off in the skin, they should not be dug out — they will usually fall out naturally, and digging can increase infection risk.
Local reactions to tick bites, such as a red lump, swelling, itchiness, blistering, or bruising, are usually harmless. The NHS provides detailed guidance on removal. The key message, however, is not to let fear of ticks deter people from enjoying the outdoors. “People should absolutely continue to enjoy the outdoors,” Dr Wylie said. “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.”