2 Watch out – it’s tick time

Ticks are tiny bloodsucking arachnids that can carry Lyme Disease. Most active in warmer months, they climb plants and latch onto any body brushing by. Protect yourself by choosing clear paths, wearing long sleeves and trews, ideally in a light shade to make the bugs easier to spot, or use DEET-based insect repellent. After a walk, check your skin and immediately remove any tick with fine-tipped tweezers or a special tool like the O’Tom Tick Twister, making sure not to squeeze its body, and to get all its mouth-parts. If you develop flu-like symptoms or a bullseye rash, contact your GP. See lymediseaseaction.org.uk