Regional tick guide

Ticks in Wales

Explore reviewed tick occurrence records for Wales, with links to identification profiles, evidence and practical guidance.

View ticks found in this location Explore the Global Tick Hub

Reviewed sources

1

linked tick species

Nation

geographic level

GB-WLS

location code

1 reviewed species records are currently linked to Wales.

Introduced, occasional and other records

Engorged adult female Ixodes ricinus castor bean tick after a blood meal

Castor bean tick

Also known as: Sheep tick, Deer tick

Ixodes ricinus

Present Ixodes hard_tick Wales

UKHSA surveillance maps and records identify Ixodes ricinus across Wales.

Quick view

Ixodes ricinus is a widespread European hard tick that feeds on many mammals, birds and reptiles, including humans. It is the tick species of greatest concern for human health in the United Kingdom and the principal UK vector of Lyme borreliosis.

Also known as: Sheep tick, Deer tick

Identification:

Larvae have six legs; nymphs and adults have eight. Adult females have a dorsal scutum covering only the anterior body, while the adult male scutum covers almost the entire dorsal surface. Microscopic characters may be required.

Hosts: Humans, Deer, Cattle, Small mammals, Birds

Habitats: Woodland, Grassland and rough pasture, Parks and wildlife-accessible gardens

Photographs and visible features may be insufficient for definitive identification.

View species

Practical tick guidance

Related guidance

Use these VuxLore® resources alongside the location records and species profiles above.

Identify ticksSpecies, life stages and identification guidance Prevent and checkReduce exposure and perform thorough tick checks Remove ticksRemoval methods, tools and common problems Bites, symptoms and healthSourced guidance about bites, symptoms and disease

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