Frequently Asked Questions

1) Does this site include every tick and mosquito species found in the UK?

No, this site does not include an exhaustive list of UK vectors. There are 20 tick species and 36 mosquito species found in the UK, and this project does not attempt to cover all of them. Our subset of species are those we believe are most useful for general public education, practical bite prevention, and current UK public-health context. However, if a species does become more relevant, we may choose to add it to the site.

2) What does the postcode search actually tell me?

The Dashboard gives local context for one UK postcode: nearby tick records (within 16 km), current weather conditions linked to tick activity, a map of sightings, and a year-by-year records chart.

Why are there so many records from 2015?

A big part of that is the Big Tick Project, a national survey run in spring and summer 2015 that involved more than 1,400 veterinary practices. It created a large burst of tick records for that year, so 2015 stands out in the dataset. That is a recording spike, not a sign that ticks suddenly appeared in 2015!

3) Does a dot on the map mean a tick is there right now?

Not necessarily! A map dot represents a historical record, not a live real-time tick. Use the Vector Maps page and the Dashboard together to understand patterns and historical presence rather than assuming presence at the moment.

4) If I see no records near me, does that mean there are no ticks?

Not at all! It usually means there are no recent records in the dataset for that area, not proof of zero ticks. Continue using prevention habits from Prevent Bites and learn where ticks are likely to be found on Tick Ecology.

“Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.”

Carl Sagan, American astronomer

5) Are all tick bites dangerous?

Most tick bites do not lead to illness. Risk depends on species, location, how long the tick was attached, and whether it carried a pathogen. For disease background, see Lyme Disease and the other disease pages in the education section.

6) I found a tick on myself or someone else! What should I do first?

Remove it promptly with a proper tool or fine-tipped tweezers, clean the skin, and monitor for symptoms over the next few weeks. Follow the step-by-step guide on Tick Removal.

7) What symptoms should I watch for after a bite?

Watch for an expanding rash, fever-like symptoms, unusual fatigue, aches, or feeling generally unwell after a known or possible tick bite. The detail page on Lyme Disease explains early and later signs.

8) What if the tick was on my dog or cat?

Remove it safely, check pets regularly after walks, and use prevention advice for animals and home spaces. Start with Prevent Bites and read Canine Babesiosis for dog-specific risk context.

9) What about mosquito-borne disease in the UK?

The current UK risk is low for most people, but mosquitoes matter because surveillance helps spot changing conditions early. See Mosquitoes for the UK overview and the mosquito disease pages for more detail.

10) Is mosquito prevention the same as tick prevention?

There is overlap, but not everything is the same. Tick prevention focuses on clothing, checks, and safe removal; mosquito prevention also includes standing water, screens, and avoiding peak biting times. Compare Prevent Bites and Prevent Mosquito Bites.

11) Can I help improve the data shown on this site?

Yes, please! Public reporting could grow to be a major part of tick surveillance in the UK. See Citizen Science to learn how your observations can support national monitoring and eventually feed into broader biodiversity records.