Tick critters

Ive noticed a lot more the dangers of ticks lately, and this year there has been a big rise in the amount of campaigning and awareness that has been given to the general public - one of the better pages ive read is this one here, from Mountaineering Scotland:

https://www.mountaineering.scot/safety-and-skills/health-and-hygiene/ticks

They recommend a tick hook that is an effective way to remove them, but ive also found that a tick card is a really effective tool and seems to work well as it stores very easily inside your first aid kit or wallet. 

The card is simply just slid under the tick, and you keep sliding it under it until it pops off when it reaches the end of the card - they work really well and have a magnifier to help you see on the small ones which way the tick is orientated to best pull it out. A big hook on the left for the meatier ones, and wee one on the right for the teeny little ones that tried to hide between your leg hairs!

There is a lot of scary stuff out there about Lymes disease, and the majority of ticks wont have the disease in them but its always best to be aware of it - in general, if you feel unwell for no apparent reason in the few days after a tick bite, or after a day out in the hills where its likely you may have been bitten, then go get it checked out. Go to your GP armed with an information sheet or something showing them what it is you think you have - the doctors should know about them but not all city centre doctors are either outdoorsy people or see it very often at all so its best to go along prepared. They should start you on an antibiotic immediately and may also take blood tests.