Ticks

[vertigo]

Hi, coming up in 4wks time & just wondered if anyone could advise as to whether ticks are liable to be a problem - in the areas of Ballachullish & Embo (Dornoch).

Many thanks to anyone that can advise, as its our first time to Scotland & our daughter is a bit paranoid after looking it up on the internet - oh we do have the avon stuf that everyone says staves off the midges ???

[fingeez]

I wouldnt worry too much about them to be honest. Theres always a chance of the odd tick but aslong as you get them off you'll be fine. Ic not had any yet at all and some people on here have been walking for years without getting any

[Milesy]

Anywhere there is deer, sheep, rabbits, hare or hedgehogs you will find ticks (all named after the animal they prefer). I wouldnt worry about it. I had 12 of them on me in Glen Etive a few weeks ago.

[Seamus]

Watch out for clocks. Plenty of tics there. Oh and mind out for the tocs they have bigger teeth

[Mrs T]

Depends naturally on where you're going to walk? If walking lower down with plenty bracken you'd obviously want to wear trousers rather than shorts, sandals are a no no as well. I've had several, caught in various parts of Scotland, so would think Ballachulish area is no different. Just remember to check every evening and remove if you find any (they might be quite small). Try not to worry overmuch, though. Have a good holiday!

[bootsandpaddles]

Shorts and sandals!!! I thought we were talking about Scotland.

[wurzel]

I put this stuff on my socks, gaiters and trouser legs:

http://www.nomadtravel.co.uk/catalog/brand/bugproof/bugproof-clothing-treatment

It contains an insecticide called permethrin. If that doesn't work I carry one of these to remove anything that attaches:

http://www.bada-uk.org/products/tickremover.php

[davidmhodgey]

Remember that although they jump onto your legs, they often like to crawl upwards to find the squishy soft bits. I was picking ticks off my chest last year, despite wearing a top!

[fiddiwebb]

Remember that although they jump onto your legs, they often like to crawl upwards to find the squishy soft bits. I was picking ticks off my chest last year, despite wearing a top!

You have soft squishy bits on your chest David or should I say Davina

[Marag]

The worst I've seen for ticks is the glen below Beinn Dearg where I camped a few years ago in August. I must have counted at least 40 crawling around the bottom of my tent!!!

[fedupofuserids]

Take a dog. The ticks seem to prefer him to me.

PS. The dog is frontlined so remains unharmed !

[davidmhodgey]

Fortunately dog ticks are different to human ticks. Anyone who's seen a well fed dog tick will understand why I say fortunately!

I'm not Davina yet, I'm still saving up for the operation

[Caberfeidh]

Take up scuba diving. Spending your holiday at 20m depth should keep the ticks away. The lampreys are a bit of a bugger though...

[kevsbald]

I always come from the extreme end of the spectrum when advising about infectious disease. But don't let me bore you, just read our information leaflet on ticks and Lyme Disease:

http://www.documents.hps.scot.nhs.uk/giz/general/tick-factsheet-2009-04.pdf

Hope this allays your fears.

[Lifeonloop]

spray yourself with Avon "skin so soft" never get a tick, midge or mozzie with this cheap stuff my mother gets me.