Following reports of two cases of Lyme disease due to tick bites in Bedford Park, Bedford Borough Council is reminding people to be aware while out in local parks and open spaces.

Ticks survive in many habitats, but prefer moist areas with leaf litter or longer grass, like in woodland, grassland, moorland, heathland and some urban parks and gardens. They don’t fly or jump, but wait on vegetation and climb on when something brushes past.

They mainly attach to animals but sometimes may bite a person.

You can prevent tick bites by walking on clearly defined paths, using insect repellent, and doing regular tick checks.

Ticks can transmit microbes that cause infections such as Lyme disease. Only a small number of ticks are infected with bacteria that cause Lyme disease but it’s still important to be aware of ticks and to remove them safely. Advice on safely removing ticks can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease/ or by calling 111.

Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment said “Ticks are part of our environment. They mainly bite animals rather than humans, and only a small number will carry the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. So we are just urging people to be aware and take sensible precautions.

“If you are out enjoying one of our beautiful parks or open spaces, the best way to avoid a tick bite is to stick to the pathway and use insect repellent.”

If you begin to feel unwell with flu-like symptoms or develop a spreading circular red rash, contact NHS 111 promptly. Remember to tell them you were bitten by a tick or have recently spent time outdoors.