First month flea FREE (*£2.99 P&P first month only)
Speedy same day dispatch**
9+ million flea & worm packs sold
Tailored to your pet
Blog Home
Flea
Ticks
Worming
Itch News
Itch Insights
Q&A
Table of Contents
What are ticks?
How to spot a tick bite
Removing a tick properly (don’t just yank it!)
When should you worry about a tick bite?
How to stop getting bitten in the first place
Natural remedies – do they work?
What about tick treatments for pets?
No one likes a tick. Nor you or your pet. It’s not fun being bitten by a tick, especially if it’s more than once. We don’t blame you for panicking. Keep reading for our recommendations on how to stay tick-free.
Ticks are small, spider-like creatures that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They're most active from spring to autumn and tend to hang out in tall grass, wooded areas, and heather-covered moors – basically all the places we Brits love for dog walks and nature escapes.
Once a tick finds its way onto your body, it latches on with tiny, barbed mouthparts and starts feeding. You might not even feel it at first – which is part of the problem.
Most tick bites are painless, so you might not realise you've been bitten until you spot the tick itself. Here’s what to look for:
A small black or brown dot that looks like a freckle, often with legs if you look closely (ew, we know).
Slight redness around the bite area.
Itchiness or mild swelling.
Some people also develop a bull’s-eye rash (a red ring around the bite), which could be a sign of Lyme disease.
Your first instinct might be to pull it off straight away. Don’t. Yanking can leave the head embedded in your skin and increase the risk of infection.
Here’s the proper way to remove a tick:
Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool (available from chemists or pet shops).
Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible, without squeezing its body.
Clean the bite area with antiseptic or soap and water.
Dispose of the tick by putting it in a tissue and flushing it or sealing it in a bag.
If you’ve removed it cleanly, well done! Keep an eye on the area for a few weeks.
Tick bites are usually harmless, but there are times you’ll want to be extra cautious. Go see your GP if you notice:
A spreading red rash, especially one that looks like a bull’s-eye.
Flu-like symptoms (fever, fatigue, aches).
The bite becomes swollen, hot, or filled with pus.
These could be signs of Lyme disease or another tick-borne illness. Caught early, Lyme can be treated with antibiotics, but it's best not to take any chances.
Now that you know how to handle a tick, let’s talk about prevention. If you keep getting bitten, it’s time to change your routine a bit:
Dress like you're expecting trouble
Ticks love to hitch a ride on bare skin. So when you’re out walking or gardening:
Wear long sleeves and trousers.
Tuck trousers into socks – not the height of fashion, but it works.
Go for light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot.
Use repellent on yourself
Insect repellents with DEET, icaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are effective against ticks. Spray it on your skin and clothes, especially around ankles and wrists.
Protect your pets
Most ticks enter your home from your pets, so it is best to protect them to protect yourself. Try using a tick treatment, like Itch Flea treatment for cats and dogs which kills all ticks on your pets in 48 hours.
Stick to the path
If you’re hiking or walking the dog, try to stay in the centre of the trail. Avoid brushing up against long grass, brambles, and dense vegetation where ticks might be lurking.
Check yourself (and your pets)
After spending time outdoors, do a full-body tick check – yes, even the awkward bits. Ticks like warm, hidden places like behind knees, in armpits, groin, and hairline.
And don’t forget your furry friends. Dogs bring ticks inside and drop them onto carpets, sofas, or even you.
Treat your garden
If you or your pet keep getting bitten at home, it could be your garden that’s to blame. Keep grass short, trim back shrubs, and discourage deer or other wildlife that may be bringing ticks in.
Some people swear by essential oils like tea tree or eucalyptus, but the jury’s still out on how effective these really are. They might deter some ticks, but they won’t replace good protective clothing or a solid repellent.
That said, natural sprays can be a nice backup – just make sure you’re not relying on them alone.
If you have dogs or outdoor cats, keeping them tick-free is a big part of protecting yourself. We’d recommend spot-on treatments that kill or repel ticks, like the Itch Flea treatment for cats and dogs which is tailored to your pet’s lifestyle. If your pet seems itchy or off-colour after a walk, always check for ticks under their fur – especially around ears, neck, and belly.
It might seem like ticks are taking over the countryside, but a few simple habits can make a huge difference. Think of it like wearing sunscreen – a bit of prep means you can relax and enjoy nature without worrying too much.
So next time you head out into the woods, wear long trousers, spray on some repellent, and do a tick check when you get home. If one of the little blighters does get you, now you know exactly how to deal with it.
Stay safe and stay tick-free.
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
SHOP NOW
Share
The closest thing you’ll find to a real life vampire are ticks, those pesky parasites that can attach themselves to your beloved pets and cause a host of health issues. These blood-sucking arachnids are not only uncomfortable for your furry friends but can also transmit diseases. Recognising the appearance of ticks on your pets is essential for their well-being. Here we look into what ticks are, how to spot them on your dogs and cats, share pictures so you can easily identify them, discuss effective tick treatment options, and explore preventive measures. Let's uncover the secrets of identifying ticks and keeping your pets tick-free.
Ticks can transmit diseases and cause discomfort for our pets, but did you know that there's more than one type of tick? It's good to know your white from your brown tick, as some carry worse diseases than others. Keep reading to learn how to keep yourself, your pet and your family tick-free!
Protecting your pet from ticks means you need to know where ticks live and where they will likely be, waiting to crawl onto your pet. Scroll to find out where most ticks are in the UK and how to keep your pet tick-free whatever the weather.
