SPRING is the time when lovers of the countryside need to be most wary of biting bugs according to Wiltshire Council.

The council is calling on Wiltshire residents to beware of the small blood sucking arachnids known as ticks, which can spread potentially serious illnesses like Lyme disease.

Ticks are often found in dense vegetation or long grass, but can also be found in woodlands, grasslands, moorland and some urban parks and gardens and are most active in spring and autumn.

Ticks don’t jump or fly, but to attach to the skin and can suck a person’s blood for several days before they drop off.

Starting in late May the second phase will be rolled out including further community engagement which will focus on schools. It will use different forms of messaging and resources to engage with children, parents and school teachers.

Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for public health Keith Humphries said: “Wiltshire is a beautiful, rural county and this campaign encourages individuals and families to continue enjoying outdoor activities with the knowledge and confidence of how to manage ticks should they come into contact with them.”

Maggie Rae, corporate director at Wiltshire Council, said: “Tick bites can often go unnoticed, but people really need to be aware of what to do if they are bitten, because spotting and removing the ticks and beginning treatment as soon as possible is key to preventing more serious illnesses.”