When is the tick season in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, ticks are usually active from March to October. During mild winters, ticks can become active earlier and may even be present all year round. You will mainly find ticks in woodlands, heathland and grasslands.

Which tick species are found in the United Kingdom?

In the UK, the number of relevant tick species is more limited than in Southern Europe. The main species are:

• Ixodes ricinus (sheep tick)
• Dermacentor reticulatus (locally present)
• Ixodes hexagonus (hedgehog tick)

In addition, there is a notable but rare species:

• Hyalomma tick (giant tick)

Ixodes ricinus (sheep tick)

Ixodes ricinus is the most important and most common tick species in the UK. This tick lives in humid areas with dense vegetation and can transmit, among others:

• Lyme disease (Lyme borreliosis)
• Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE)
• Anaplasmosis

Lyme disease is by far the most common tick-borne disease in the United Kingdom.

Dermacentor reticulatus

This tick is less common in the UK but is present in certain areas. It can transmit babesiosis in dogs, a condition that can become severe without prompt treatment.

Hyalomma tick (giant tick)

The Hyalomma tick is not native to the UK but is occasionally observed.

These ticks are usually:

• carried by migratory birds
• or introduced via imported animals

Key characteristics:

• they are larger than common ticks
• they can move actively
• they are occasionally found in England

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) closely monitors these ticks through the Tick Surveillance Scheme.

The Hyalomma tick originates from warmer regions such as Africa, Asia and Southern Europe. In the UK climate, they are generally unable to establish permanent populations.

This tick can transmit Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF). However, the risk of this in the UK is extremely low. This is therefore a rare, “imported” visitor rather than an established tick species.