What do you need to know about ticks on Dartmoor?

We love Dartmoor for its wide skies, peaceful trails and the way it invites you to slow down. Whether you’re wandering through the woods, clambering across granite, or stopping for a stream-side picnic, it’s the kind of place that draws families in. But like any wild landscape, it comes with a few things to be mindful of. One of those is ticks.

On a recent walk, we found a tick on our six-month-old while camping after a calm, sunny wander through a grassy patch off a main trail. It was a quiet reminder that even the most peaceful routes can come with unexpected guests. So we thought it was worth putting together a clear, reliable guide for anyone heading out with little ones (or four-legged friends) this season.

Ticks aren’t something to panic about. If you're just starting to explore Dartmoor with your family, you might also find our blog on gentle family walks that spark outdoor learning a helpful companion to this one. But knowing where they live, when they’re active, and how to deal with them helps everyone walk with more confidence. Here’s what you need to know.

1. What are ticks and where do you find them?

Ticks are small arachnids, related to spiders, that attach to people or animals to feed on blood. In the UK, the most common species is Ixodes ricinus, active mainly from April to July, with some activity into autumn and reduced activity in winter. They tend to "quest" from plants at ground or knee height, waiting for a host to pass by.

On Dartmoor, they are most likely found in grassy patches, heathland, woodlands and along trails that brush against vegetation. Ticks tend to gather in areas where wildlife is active, especially where deer, sheep or rabbits are present. Fernworthy, for example, has a well-known deer population that often beds down in long grasses during the warmer months, creating ideal conditions for ticks to spread into nearby walking areas. Keeping this in mind can help you avoid higher-risk zones, especially during peak tick season.

Before we dive into the risks, it's worth keeping things in perspective. Tick bites can feel alarming, especially when you're out with children, but the reality is that serious illness from ticks is still relatively rare. Most bites do not result in Lyme disease, and even if a tick is carrying it, the risk drops significantly when ticks are removed promptly after a walk. This is simply one of the things to be aware of when spending time in nature, not something to fear, but something to be informed about.

2. Why be tick-aware? The health risks

Ticks can transmit infections, most commonly Lyme disease, and more rarely tick borne encephalitis (TBE), though TBE has not yet been confirmed in Devon. Up to 10% of ticks in some UK areas may carry Lyme disease bacteria.

Symptoms typically emerge 3 to 30 days after a bite and may include a circular rash (around 70 to 80 percent of cases), fever, fatigue, headaches, facial palsy or joint pain. Without treatment, Lyme disease can cause long term neurological or joint issues. Early antibiotics are highly effective.

3. How to prevent tick bites

• Wear long trousers tucked into socks, long sleeves and light coloured clothing to spot ticks easily

• Stick to paths and avoid brushing through long grass or shrubs

• Use effective insect repellent with picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR3535 (as alternatives to DEET, which is effective but less environmentally friendly)

• Consider permethrin treated gear (clothes or footwear)

• Regularly check clothing, skin, hair and children’s scalps during and after walks

4. What to do if you find a tick

• Remove it promptly, as the risk of disease increases the longer it’s attached

• Use fine tipped tweezers or a specialist tick removal tool to grip close to the skin

• Gently pull straight out without twisting, and aim to remove the mouthparts intact

• Clean the bite area and your hands with soap, water or antiseptic

• Monitor the bite for a rash or flu symptoms. If these appear, contact NHS 111 or your GP

5. What about pets?

Dogs can also be affected by tick borne illnesses like Lyme and babesiosis. After Dartmoor visits, carefully check pets, especially ears, belly and between paw pads, and use vet approved tick preventatives.

6. Broader trends and climate impact

Tick populations in the UK are rising. We talk more about how changing seasons and climate patterns impact family walking in our guide to walking with children through the seasons. Warmer, wetter weather creates ideal conditions. Experts predict numbers will continue to grow through climate change, especially in upland areas like Dartmoor.

7. Summary and actions

• Check for ticks during and after your walk

• Dress smart and use repellents

• Remove ticks correctly and quickly

• Watch for symptoms and seek medical care if needed

By taking these steps, you can help your family enjoy Dartmoor safely, focusing on the magic of the moor without the worry. You might also enjoy our piece on how to choose family-friendly walking routes, which pairs well with this topic.