Protect Yourself From Tick Bites, HSE Urges

The HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) is urging the public to take precautions against tick bites this spring and summer, warning that several hundred people are likely to be infected with Lyme disease in Ireland each year.

The reminder comes on Tick Awareness Day, Wednesday, 6 May 2026.

Dr Paul McKeown, Consultant in Public Health Medicine, HSE National Health Protection, said:

"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 environments 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."

Ticks will bite adult humans most commonly on the legs and arms, though they can bite any warm or sweaty area of the body. In children, ticks are most likely to bite around the head and neck.

The HPSC advises wearing long trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes, and a hat when outdoors, tucking in hair, and using an insect repellent, preferably containing DEET. After a day outdoors, people should check skin, hair, and warm skin folds, particularly the neck and scalp of children, and remove any ticks found on clothing, pets, or outdoor gear.

Most cases of Lyme disease are mild and many infected people experience no symptoms. The most common sign of infection is a skin rash known as a bullseye rash, or erythema migrans. In a small number of cases, however, the infection can be more severe, leading to serious nervous system, heart, and joint disease.

Dr McKeown added:

"Anyone who develops a rash or other symptoms should visit their GP and explain that they have been bitten by a tick. If you think you may have been bitten by a tick and you develop a skin rash speak to your GP. Your GP may prescribe antibiotics if it is likely to be Lyme disease, to clear the infection."

If a tick is found, the HSE advises removing it promptly using tweezers, gripping the tick close to the skin. The entire tick, including its mouthparts which might break off, should be removed. The area should then be washed with soap and water and checked over the next few weeks for swelling or redness. If a tick is removed within the first few hours, the risk of infection is very low.

Step-by-step instructions on how to remove a tick are available on the HSE website.