Urgent warning as bloodsucking creatures 'everywhere' in Ireland this summer

Irish Daily Mirror

05-05-2025

With Ireland enjoying an early taste of summer weather, many people will be making the most of it by spending time outdoors. However, health officials have sounded the alarm about a hidden danger lurking in the grass.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has issued an urgent warning about ticks, stressing that they are "everywhere in Ireland" - and "are more numerous and more active" in the summer months.
Ticks are known to thrive in grassy and wooded areas, which are popular for outdoor activities, and the public is urged to be vigilant, particularly in woodlands, parklands and heathlands.
Ticks are tiny, spider-like creatures that feed on the blood of humans, animals and birds. These pests live in both urban and rural areas of Ireland, with their activity peaking from spring through autumn, making this the time when the risk of Lyme disease is highest.
Lyme disease, which ticks can transmit through their bites, is caused by a bacterial infection that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. While many cases of Lyme disease are mild, some people may develop severe symptoms including neurological problems, joint pain and heart issues.
One of the key indicators of Lyme disease is a distinctive "bullseye" rash, which usually appears in the area surrounding the tick bite. The HPSC explained: "Ticks will bite adult humans most commonly on the legs and arms. But they can bite any part of the body, especially warm and sweaty parts of the body not covered by clothing. In children, ticks are most likely to bite around the head and neck. These are the areas to cover up and protect. These are also the areas to check following time spent outdoors. You can check yourself and your children during the day."
The HPSC has issued advice to protect against tick bites and prevent the disease. The experts recommend doing the following:
If you find a tick attached to your skin, it's important to remove it as soon as possible. The longer a tick remains attached, the higher the chance of transmitting Lyme disease. The correct way to remove a tick is by using a pair of fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, pulling gently and steadily without twisting. After removing the tick, wash the area with soap and water and monitor for signs of redness or swelling in the following weeks.
The HPSC said: "A minority of ticks can carry Lyme disease. If a tick is removed within the first number of hours, the risk of infection is very low. The entire tick, including its mouthparts which might break off, should be removed with a tweezers by gripping it close to the skin. The skin where the tick was found should then be washed with soap and water and the area checked over the next few weeks for swelling or redness."
If you experience any symptoms such as a rash, fever or fatigue, or if you suspect you've contracted Lyme disease, it's important to see a doctor. In many cases, Lyme disease can be treated effectively with antibiotics, especially if detected early.
The HPSC added: "HPSC marked Tick Awareness Day on May 1, offering practical advice on how to protect against ticks, whose bite can cause a bacterial infection called Lyme disease. People are more likely to spend time outdoors in the spring and summer months. Anyone who spends time outdoors should protect themselves against tick bites. This includes ramblers, campers, mountain bikers, people who work or walk in woodland, parkland and heathland, especially in grassy areas. Preventing tick bites prevents Lyme disease.
"Ticks are present everywhere in Ireland, including both urban and rural areas and are active from spring to autumn. They are tiny spider-like creatures that feed on the blood of humans, animals and birds, and are more numerous and more active in the summer months. From April onwards is the time when we expect to see cases of Lyme disease most frequently in Ireland, because this is when ticks are most plentiful."