With spring finally here, the weather getting warmer, and more people heading outdoors, Melksham Without Parish Council and Melksham Town Council are advising residents to be ‘tick aware’ so they know what to do should they come into contact with the bugs.
Ticks are small spider-like creatures which feed on the blood of animals and people and are often found in dense vegetation or long grass, but can also be found in woodlands, grasslands, moorland and some urban parks and gardens. They can be found throughout the year, but are most active between spring and autumn.
Ticks don’t jump or fly, but wait on vegetation and climb on animals or people. They then bite to attach to the skin and start to feed on the blood. It can be several days before they drop off. They can transmit bacteria which can cause a potentially serious illness such as Lyme Disease. This can be treated effectively with antibiotics if caught in the early stages. Small tweezers or a tick removal tool can also be used to remove any ticks found on the body. Correct removal of ticks is key to reducing the potential risk of an infection being transmitted.
For more information on ticks please visit the Public Health England website.
www.gov.uk/government/publications/tick-bite-risks-and-prevention-of-lyme-disease
For more information on Lyme Disease go to www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Lyme-disease
