Ticks
Ticks are small, blood-feeding arachnids found across the UK — in woodland, grassland, moorland, and even garden hedgerows. They are the UK’s most important vectors of human and animal disease. This section covers everything you need to know: what ticks are, which species live in the UK, how to protect yourself, and what illnesses they can transmit.
Looking for mosquito information? Visit the Mosquitoes hub for UK-focused context and a smaller, surveillance-led overview.
UK Species
Four tick species are regularly encountered in the UK. Click any species to learn about its appearance, habitat, and the diseases it may carry.
Ixodes ricinus
Sheep Tick / Castor Bean Tick
The most widespread UK tick, found in woodland, moorland, and long grass. Responsible for the majority of human bites and most tick-borne disease transmission in the UK.
Dermacentor reticulatus
Ornate Cow Tick
Recognisable by its ornate patterned back. Found mainly in coastal areas of Wales, Devon, and Essex. A significant concern for dogs due to its ability to transmit canine babesiosis.
Ixodes hexagonus
Hedgehog Tick
Primarily a parasite of hedgehogs and other small mammals. Often found on cats and dogs that roam near hedgehog nests. Can carry Lyme disease bacteria, though bites in humans are less common.
Haemaphysalis punctata
Coastal Red Tick / Red Sheep Tick
A smaller, less-common species associated with coastal grasslands and calcareous downland in southern England. It can carry rickettsial bacteria.
Prevention & Removal
Ticks are generally easy to avoid and remove safely. Early removal greatly reduces the risk of disease transmission.
Prevent Bites
Practical advice on clothing choices, insect repellents, tick checks after outdoor activity, and how to reduce tick risk in your garden and for your pets.
Read the guide →Tick Removal
Step-by-step instructions for safely removing an attached tick with tweezers or a tick tool, what to do with the tick afterwards, and what symptoms to watch for in the weeks that follow.
Read the guide →Tick-Borne Diseases in the UK
Not every tick bite leads to illness, but ticks can carry a range of pathogens. Being aware of symptoms means you can seek medical advice promptly if needed.