I've only come across ticks twice in my life, once in Namibia and the other time when my dad bought a puppy from a farm. I live in South Wales, spend a lot of time walking my dogs in the countryside, in long grass meadows, woodlands and hills often near farmland but not usually on farmland due to the dogs. I've had a few nasty bites in my time, but couldn't say if they were from ticks. I know to look for the bullseye.

I have become increasingly more paranoid about ticks and their potential to pass on illness like lymes disease, it started when I was pregnant last year I was anxious that I wouldn't be able to take the treatment due to the pregnancy and now I still worry that it could end my breast feeding journey or that the baby might be bitten. Especially as my one dog, due to epilepsy can no longer have the flea treatment that prevents ticks, I'm scared she will get them and bring them home.

I usually wear hiking boots and long leggings or trousers on my walks, but on very hot days have been known to wear shorts. We are planning a family picnic in a long grass meadow where I walk my dogs regularly which is next to a woodland. I'm beginning to worry that sitting there for so long increases the chance of tick bites. I've read that some parts of the UK it's really bad.

So, UK, has anyone had an infection/disease from tick bites? If so how were you? Was it easy to treat? Also are there any people who regularly come across ticks and have been fine. I'd love to hear your experiences.

Thanks.