Blood-sucking parasite warning goes out to walkers on the South Downs


Walkers are being warned of the danger of picking up blood-sucking ticks which could cause a devastating disease.

A warning sign is in place in Glynde on a field gate, in Ranscombe Lane, which leads to the popular Mount Caburn and Bible Bottom walk on The Downs.

The sign states that ticks are known to be present in the area and advises walkers to wear light coloured trousers and tuck their trouser bottoms into their socks.

Ticks, can occasionally be infected by Lyme Disease, which they pick up from livestock. The disease can result in debilitating flu-like symptoms which can last for years.

Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures likely to be found in longer grass or woodland, which attach themselves to bare flesh when people brush by.



The rash can appear up to three months after being bitten by a tick and usually lasts for several weeks. Most rashes appear within the first four weeks. The skin will be red and the edges may feel slightly raised.

Not everyone with Lyme disease gets the rash. Some people also have flu-like symptoms in the early stages, such as: a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery, headaches, muscle and joint pain, tiredness and loss of energy.




Tick bites aren’t always painful. You may not notice a tick unless you see it on your skin. Regularly check your skin and your children’s or pets’ skin after being outdoors.

To remove a tick safely, use fine-tipped tweezers or a tick-removal tool – you can buy these from some pharmacies, vets and pet shops.

Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick. Dispose of it when you’ve removed it. Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water.

NHS advice is that you should see a GP if you have been bitten by a tick or visited an area in the past month where infected ticks are found and you get: flu-like symptoms – such as feeling hot and shivery, headaches, aching muscles or feeling sick, or a circular red rash Tell them if you’ve been in forests or grassy areas.

To reduce the risk of being bitten: cover your skin while walking outdoors and tuck your trousers into your socks; use insect repellent on your clothes and skin – products containing DEET are best; stick to paths whenever possible; wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot and brush off.