These resources are intended for outdoor workers. If you are visiting the outdoors for recreation, please read our Check for ticks page.

Only a small number of ticks are infected with the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. But it's still important to be aware of ticks and to safely remove them as soon as possible, just in case.

In 2017 we launched the 'Ticked Off' initiative to raise awareness of ticks and tick-borne diseases amongst our staff. The resources we created may be of use to anyone who works in the outdoors.

Factsheets

• Tick avoidance What is Lyme disease? What do ticks look like? How can we avoid them?
• Lyme disease signs and symptoms Where to look for ticks and what to do (plus what not to do) when you find them.
• Forest Research: Lyme Disease Briefing Note Information for environment sector organisations on raising awareness among staff and visitors. [external website]

Videos

This series of videos provide a brief guide to ticks, tick-borne diseases and the measures you can take to protect yourself. The seven films are between two and four minutes in length.

Personal experiences with Lyme disease

Some of our staff have shared their experiences with Lyme disease and offered their top tips for avoiding ticks. Download and read their stories:

• Alastair's story Alastair is an Delivery Manager based in Huntly. After working outdoors for much of summer 2014, he was suspected to have contracted Lyme disease.
• John's story John is an Area Wildlife Manager based in Huntly. Due to a lack of awareness of the disease amongst doctors, he may have had Lyme disease for over twenty years.
• Julian's story Julian was a Senior Operations Advisor based in Perthshire, now retired. He was diagnosed with Chronic Lyme disease after doctors considered numerous other illnesses.
• Sally's story Sally was an Education Policy Advisor based in Edinburgh, now retired. Working outdoors for much of the week, she has had many encounters with ticks and reluctant GPs!