Recording Tick Sightings

Have you seen, or been bitten by, a tick while out and about in Scotland? If so, tell us about it so we can add it to our Tick Map!

We're using the data from this map to understand where ticks are being spotted, with multiple actions being taken from this data. We've worked with landowners to cut back vegetation alongside paths, installed interpretation panels alongside our partners TCV Scotland and the Lyme Resource Centre, and shared data with academic partners who are able to use it for future research funding and evidence. 

Additionally, we are collecting people's stories of their experiences with ticks and tick-borne diseases to understand the level of impact ticks are having across the country.

(Green = Adult; Red = Child; Pink = Dog; Blue = Cat; Yellow = Sighting; Brown = Wildlife).

Your Stories

The comments and stories we receive alongside submissions to our Tick Map show why it’s so important to raise awareness of ticks and tick-borne diseases. Here are just a few of the hundreds of stories we’ve received:

‘I found this over 24 hours later on my arm. I assume this woodland is where I picked it up. I have had red around it and am on 3 weeks course of antibiotics for possible lyme/other tick related illness. During this time I have become unwell with a temperature and aches.’

‘I was bitten and tic had been in situ 6 days. Unfortunately I had some symptoms. Muscle pain and fatigue. Doctors had no knowledge of how to treat. I feel extremely anxious about the Lyme disease and outcome.’

‘Awful experience, I was not tick aware and did not realise I could be bitten in a garden. More public health campaigns needed on the TV / radio.’

‘We took circa 20 off child's hands and arm before they attached. She pushed past them to say hello to her cat who was hiding in the flowers’

‘Ticks in the wood seem to be active most of the year now. Numbers have surged in the last few years making it a bit of a "no go area" when the bracken is high. Ticks are even present in small numbers in my garden - something very rare a few years ago.’