With spring and summer upon us comes sunshine, warmer weather, and spending more time outdoors. The change in seasons unfortunately brings an increase in exposure to ticks.
By: Base Environment Officer
What are Ticks?
Ticks are arthropods that live in grassy, brushy, wooded areas, and may even live on animals. In Canada, there are over 40 species of ticks with the most common being American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) and the Blacklegged tick (aka Deer tick) (Ixodes scapularis). While ticks do not fly or jump, they find their hosts by detecting their breath and body odors, or by sensing body heat, moisture, and vibrations. Ticks will crawl on clothing until they detect bare skin. Once they bite, they can remain latched onto their hosts for several days. Below is a comparison of the two most common species of ticks commonly found in this area showing their sizes during different life stages. Their size will increase dramatically after feeding.
Do all Ticks cause Lyme Disease?
The main tick-borne disease of concern in Canada is Lyme disease; however, ticks can carry other parasites and pathogens including, Anaplasmosis, (respiratory and organ failure) Babesiosis (flu like symptoms), and Powassan virus disease (possible meningitis).
While ticks have the potential to transfer tickborne parasites and pathogens not all ticks are infected. On average only ~30% of ticks carry parasites and/or pathogens.
Below are a few general actions to take that will reduce your risk of getting bitten by a tick:
a) walk on clear paths or walkways.
b) avoid wooded and bushy areas with high grass.
c) avoid areas with excessive leaf litter.
d) wear light-coloured clothing (easier to spot ticks), paints tucked-in, and long-sleeved shirts.
e) spraying or treating clothing, equipment, and gear with repellent containing DEET can be an effective deterrent.
f) showering or bathing within two hours of coming indoors followed by a full body check for ticks.
g) drying your clothes on high heat for 15-20 minutes before washing them will kill ticks that might be on clothing.
Tick Bite Identification and Removal
Upon returning from the outdoors, complete a full body tick check on yourself and your pets. Tick bites can be identified by a red “bulls’ eye” as shown in the photo.
(Source: Tick Bite: Pictures, Symptoms, Treatment (health.com))
If you find an attached tick, remove it as soon as possible with a tick removal device (available on Amazon, pharmacies, etc.) or tweezers. Ensue that the tick is removed slowly but firmly and straight-out while ensuring not to twist or squeeze the tick. Once removed, place the tick in a sealed container (e.g. Ziploc bag or jar with the date and geographic location where the tick came from) and place it in the freezer. Wash the affected area with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer. After removal, contact your health care provider to help assess your potential risk of Lyme disease or other tickborne diseases. They may request you submit the tick for testing.
Don’t forget to check your pets as they can carry ticks into your house or yard. They can also suffer with medical issues from a tick bite. Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention options.
Avoidance, early detection, and the removal of ticks quickly after a tick bite has occurred can effectively prevent tickborne illnesses. Contact your local health authority for additional information.
Helpful Links and Resources
Government of Canada: Blacklegged (deer) ticks – Canada.ca
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit: Lyme Disease and Ticks (simcoemuskokahealth.org)
Government of Ontario: Ontario Lyme Disease Map 2022: Estimated Risk Areas (publichealthontario.ca)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Ticks | Ticks | CDC
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