Doctors worldwide are becoming concerned the increasing prevalence ticks. These are tiny, blood-sucking bugs that carry germs one host to another. Their bites can pass serious health problems Lyme disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the USA has reported a dramatic upswing tick activity. It said thirty-one million Americans are bitten ticks annually, and that the number cases is increasing year year. Biology professor Vett Lloyd said: "Tick populations are expanding geographically because we're changing the climate." The UK's 'Guardian' newspaper reported that cases Lyme disease rose over 20 per cent 2024 and 2025.
Ticks are arachnids — they are related to spiders. They have oval, flat bodies and eight legs. After they fill themselves blood, their bodies become spherical. They range size from the size a poppy seed to an apple seed. They latch to animals and humans sinking their mouthparts the skin of their victims. Their mouthparts pierce the skin and drink blood days. Their saliva contains a mild anaesthetic. This numbs the bite area, so people often do not feel anything. The CDC offers advice avoiding tick bites. It recommends wearing insect repellents that contain the ingredient DEET. It also advises wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed shoes.
