Ticks are a growing concern across the UK, especially for those who spend time outdoors, whether you’re walking, working, deer stalking, hiking, or simply enjoying nature, they can present a serious risk.
While small, ticks carry risks that are often underestimated, including the potential transmission of serious illnesses such as Lyme disease.
This guide explains what ticks are, where they live, the risks they pose, and most importantly, how to protect yourself effectively.
What Are Ticks and Where Are They Found
Ticks are small, spider-like parasites that feed on the blood of animals and humans. In the UK, they are commonly found in:
- Woodland and forest areas
- Long grass and bracken
- Heathland and moorland
- Areas with high deer populations
Ticks don’t jump or fly, they wait on vegetation and attach to passing animals or people.
Why Ticks Are a Serious Risk
The biggest concern with ticks is their ability to transmit diseases, particularly Lyme disease.
Early symptoms can include:
- Fever and fatigue
- Muscle and joint pain
- Headaches
- A circular rash (often not present in all cases)
However, the real danger lies in missed or delayed diagnosis.
Real Stories: The Cost of Misdiagnosis
Kate’s Story
Kate is a mother and a deer stalker who contracted Lyme disease in 2017.
It took 7 years to receive an official diagnosis.
During that time, she went through the reality many people face, being misdiagnosed, misunderstood, and left to manage worsening symptoms without clear answers. Her journey highlights just how serious Lyme disease can become when it is not identified early.
Watch a short interview with Kate and find out about her full story here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/3P_O_4V-xPY?si=_Ev6ciN48FObhZP0
Mark’s Story
Mark contracted Lyme disease on 15 June 2017.
After a wrong diagnosis and multiple rounds of antibiotics, his life has never been the same.
He now lives with:
- Chronic fatigue
- Constant muscle and joint pain
- Sensitivity to light
- And later, the onset of chronic pancreatitis
His words say it best:
“I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”
The Problem: Misdiagnosis and Late Detection
Lyme disease is notoriously difficult to diagnose in its early stages. Testing is not always reliable, and symptoms are often mistaken for other conditions.
When diagnosis is delayed:
- The infection can spread through the body
- Symptoms can become chronic
- Individuals may suffer long-term, life-altering complications
- Recovery becomes significantly more difficult
They say prevention is better than cure. With Lyme disease there is no cure.
Prevention Is Your Best Protection
If you spend time outdoors, prevention should be taken seriously.
Key prevention methods include:
- Wearing long sleeves and trousers
- Wearing gloves and long socks
- Avoiding exposed skin in high-risk areas
- Checking your body after being outdoors
- Using purpose-built protective clothing
Anti-Tick Clothing: A Practical Solution
At the Shooting & Hunting Academy Shop, we offer dedicated anti-tick clothing collections for both men and women, designed specifically for people who live and work outdoors.
These garments are treated with advanced insect-repellent technology to help reduce the risk of ticks attaching.
Why anti-tick clothing matters:
- Adds a critical layer of protection in tick-prone environments
- Designed for real outdoor performance
- Long-lasting protection through multiple washes
- Suitable for deer stalking, hiking, forestry work, and everyday outdoor use
A Responsibility for the Outdoor Community
Those of us who spend time outdoors often understand the risks, but too many still underestimate ticks.
If you have a voice in the outdoor space, there is a responsibility to:
- Raise awareness
- Share real stories
- Help others understand the risks
Because ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.
Final Thoughts
Ticks may be small, but the consequences can be life changing. Tragically, Kate and Mark’s story are not isolated, rare cases, they are reminders.
A small bite can lead to years of impact.
A small step in prevention can make all the difference.
Protect Yourself
Explore anti-tick clothing from HART on the Shooting & Hunting Academy website - collections for men and women:
Men: https://sh-shop.co.uk/collections/men-anti-tick-outdoor-collection
Women: https://sh-shop.co.uk/collections/anti-tick-outdoors-collection
