Tick outbreak could be deadly to walkers

The warm weather has led to an explosion in the tick population, which can cause Lyme disease, potentially leading to meningitis or paralysis.

The parasites attach themselves onto unwary hosts and insert a feeding tube to gorge themselves on blood until they drop off naturally.

But as many as one in three sheep ticks, which are also partial to human blood, are believed to carry Lyme disease.

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In England and Wales the number of people contracting Lyme disease was 684 last year, with an additional 177 cases in Scotland, The Times reported.

Warm weather provides an ideal breeding ground for the parasites, which live in grass, plants and trees, waiting to hitch a ride on a passing host who happens to pass by.

Ususally found in the countryside, they have also been reported in suburban parks.

In order to avoid being targeted, walkers are advised to cover up theier legs and arms and not to wear sandals.

John Cowden, from Health Protection Scotland, said: "There's not a lot we can do other than advise people to be careful.

"We cannot get Lyme disease out of the environment. It is simply up to individuals to avoid catching it."