Starting spring, and continuing through summer into autumn, is a hectic time for us as tick researchers. It is high tick season, and we often collect ticks for our surveillance studies and other research projects.

You will recognise us by our big white flags in search of ticks:

Currently, all life stages of ticks can be found, especially larvae and nymphs, which are dangerous due to their tiny size. They are easily overlooked while feeding, and all life stages can transmit pathogens. Therefore, always check yourself and your pet after a walk outdoors! The sooner a tick is removed, the less chance it has to transmit pathogens.

Above, you can see tiny Ixodes ricinus larvae.