THE New Forest National Park Authority has issued a warning that ticks are on the rise because global warming allows for longer periods for breeding.

Ticks are small creatures that are distant relatives of spiders and scorpions.

They can be found in moist areas like woodlands, heathlands, and patches of long grass but can even be found in cities or gardens.

Ticks have become a year-round threat. Global warming means ticks are no longer being killed off by colder winters, allowing a longer period for breeding. 

Ticks can latch onto skin, injecting a natural anaesthetic when they bite you, meaning you do not feel the bite.

This, along with their small size, means that many people will not recall being bitten.

Victims can be animals or humans, so it’s important to make sure we are protecting ourselves, and our pets, as one in 10 ticks carry disease.

READ MORE: Tick removal advice for pet owners

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease and left undiagnosed can lead to debilitating symptoms. They can begin with a bulls-eye rash, but this only occurs in approximately one third of cases.

The New Forest National Park Authority has issued some advice on how to protect yourself against ticks.

A spokesperson from the National Park Authority has issued a warning as ticks are on the rise because global warming allows for longer periods for breeding.

The spokesperson said: "As ticks cling to nearby vegetation, they can be avoided by keeping to the main wide tracks.

"Wear light coloured clothing to make ticks more visible. Use tick repellent on all exposed skin.

"Make sure that your clothes cover your arms and legs, and tuck trousers into socks. Ticks can be as small as a poppy seed, so check thoroughly.

"Afterwards, dispose of the tick and disinfect the site of the bite."