Tick Talk - STEM Ambassadors and The Lyme Resource Centre Partnership

Tick numbers are currently on the rise across Scotland, with the most optimistic predictions being an increase of a quarter from current figures in findings from new mathematical models by University of Stirling in August 2024.

There are several factors that are fuelling this increase, one major facet being climate change across the globe. Ticks enjoy moist, shady areas such as woods and long grasses, and with an increase in temperature triggering milder, shorter winters, ticks are not only being seen earlier in the year but are also active for longer periods. 

Found all over the UK, the Scottish Highlands have been identified as the highest risk areas in Scotland for tick presence, with only the highest elevations being safe from ticks’ expanding territories as they stay cool enough to combat their spread, at least for now. 

The alarming increase in tick prevalence affects not just pets and livestock but people too! Tick borne diseases are serious and need to be addressed quickly for the best chances of recovery and minimising long term illness or symptoms.                                    

In light of these new findings and as part of Lyme Awareness Month, we are proud to announce a new partnership between STEM Ambassadors and The Lyme Resource Centre (LRC)! The partnership is called "Tick Talk" and consists of having STEM Ambassadors working together with LRC volunteers to spread the word by attending meetings and events to discuss everything tick related. From tick bite prevention, managing tick bites correctly, and raising awareness for the early stages of Lyme disease, our STEM Ambassador volunteers are trained in all of these aspects and are able to communicate them clearly and effectively with the public so that everyone can enjoy the outdoors this year!  

19 STEM Ambassadors have signed up to be part of Tick Talk so far, and they are ready to support the LRC in spreading awareness and crucial information at events.  These events range from talks to colleagues, presentations to the general public and supporting larger outdoor events.  

We will share Tick Talk updates over the summer on our social media, please follow. 

If you would like to learn more about what the Lyme Resource Centre do and their main messages about Lyme disease prevention please visit their website: https://www.lymeresourcecentre.com/