Ticks

 

Tick close up on skin

Having problems with ticks?

Ticks are small, blood-feeding arachnids that can be picked up by people and pets after time spent in long grass, woodlands, parks and other green areas. They can also be brought indoors on cats and dogs, then drop off in the home.

In the UK, tick bites can be linked to illnesses such as Lyme disease (and, more rarely, tick-borne encephalitis). If you develop a rash, fever, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms after a bite, seek medical advice promptly.

Professional Tick Control Services in the UK

Ticks are external parasites that feed on blood from animals and humans. They are most often encountered outdoors, but they can also enter the home via pets and clothing. As well as being unpleasant, ticks matter because some can transmit infections such as Lyme disease and, in rarer cases, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).

Where Ticks Are Commonly Found

  • Tall grass and rough pasture
  • Woodlands and leaf litter
  • Heathlands and scrub
  • Parks, gardens, and wildlife corridors

When Are Ticks Active?

Ticks can be active year-round, but activity is typically highest from spring to early summer (April to July) and again in autumn. Mild winters can also allow activity to continue at lower levels.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Tick Bites

  • Stick to clear paths where possible
  • Wear long sleeves and trousers in high-risk areas
  • Use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin and clothing
  • Check yourself, children, and pets after being outdoors
  • Shower soon after returning indoors and wash outdoor clothing

Safe Tick Removal

Important: Do not burn, crush, or smother a tick (e.g. with oils). Remove it as soon as possible using a tick tool or fine-tipped tweezers.

  • Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible
  • Pull upwards slowly and steadily without twisting
  • Clean the bite with antiseptic afterwards
  • Monitor for symptoms over the following weeks

When to Get Medical Advice

If you develop a circular rash (often described as a bullseye), fever, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, or neurological symptoms within days or weeks of a tick bite, seek medical advice promptly.

Professional Help for Tick Problems

If your property has recurring tick activity (especially where pets, livestock, or wildlife pass through), we can advise on habitat management, targeted treatments where appropriate, and practical prevention steps to protect your household.


Tick Control FAQ

Ticks are small arachnids, closely related to spiders and mites, that feed on the blood of animals and humans. They are external parasites that thrive in grassy, wooded, or humid environments.
Ticks are most often found in tall grass, woodlands, heathlands, parks, and gardens. They wait on vegetation for a passing host, such as pets, livestock, or people, to latch onto.
Yes. In the UK, ticks can transmit Lyme disease and, in rare cases, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Not all ticks carry these pathogens, but it’s important to remain vigilant.
Ticks can be active year-round but are most active from spring to early summer (April to July) and again in the autumn. Activity slows during the colder winter months but does not stop entirely.
You can lower your risk by sticking to paths, wearing long sleeves and trousers, using insect repellents containing DEET, and checking yourself, your clothes, and your pets for ticks after being outdoors.
Use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick removal tool. Grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upwards slowly and steadily without twisting. Clean the bite area with antiseptic afterwards.
A common early sign is a circular rash shaped like a bullseye around the bite site, usually within 3 to 30 days. Other symptoms may include fever, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, and nerve issues. If these appear, seek medical advice promptly.

More About Shire Pest Solutions

Shire Pest Solutions is a trusted and local pest control company proudly serving homes and businesses across Oxfordshire and beyond. We have built our reputation on professionalism, reliability, and fast response times, specialising in the safe and effective removal of pests including ants, wasps, rodents, bed bugs, and more.

Our expert technicians hold full qualifications and use the latest tools and treatments to resolve pest problems quickly and safely—without unnecessary disruption. Whether you face a minor domestic issue or a large-scale commercial infestation, we design our services to meet your needs with minimal fuss and maximum effectiveness.

Based locally, we regularly assist customers in Didcot, Wallingford, Abingdon, Wantage, Witney, Newbury, Thame, Thatcham, and Stokenchurch. Our knowledge of the local area enables us to provide rapid call-outs and treatments that are suited to the unique pest challenges of each location.

At Shire Pest Solutions, we don’t just eliminate pests—we stop them from returning. We offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and we dedicate ourselves to customer satisfaction, making us the go-to pest control provider for homeowners, landlords, and commercial clients alike.

Contact us today to arrange a call-out or find out more about our pest control services across Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.