It is difficult to beat a summer's day in the hills of Assynt. However, lurking in the undergrowth is the deeply unpleasant tick. Anecdotal evidence suggests an increase in numbers in recent years, though it may well be that the decrease in sheep numbers - its traditional host - has forced it to seek out other sources of food. For the most part they are an irritation rather than harmful but they can transmit an infection known as Lymes disease.

Lymes disease is caused by a bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried primarily by the sheep tick in the UK (and by the deer tick in the US where it is endemic in many states).

Ticks need to be attached to the body for at least 24-36 hours to transmit the disease. Even if you come into contact with them, it should be possible to detect and remove them before any harm is done. The highest risk is in late spring and early summer when the tick is most active and feeding. If you walk through rough vegetation or wild areas such as heathland you should take the following precautions advised by the UK Health Protection Agency:

• Be aware of the risk of ticks when you are out walking in the country.
• Wear along sleeved shirt and long trousers tucked into socks. Light coloured fabrics are useful, as it is easier to see ticks against a light background.
• Considering use of insect repellents.
• Inspect skin frequently and removing any attached ticks.
• Check again for ticks, especially in skin folds, at the end of the day.
• Make sure that children’s head and neck areas, including scalps, are properly checked.
• Check that ticks are not brought home on clothes.
• Check that pets do not bring unfed ticks into the home on their fur.

Methods of tick removal
Remove ticks by gently gripping them as close to the skin as possible, preferably using fine-toothed tweezers or similar implements, and pulling steadily away from the skin. Some veterinary surgeries and pet supply shops sell inexpensive tick removal devices, which may be useful for people frequently exposed to ticks. Lighted cigarette ends or match heads are not recommended. Some researchers consider that application of creams or volatile oils to cover a tick and force it to detach may increase risk of borrelial transmission, as it could stimulate the tick to regurgitate potentially infected material.