With warmer temperatures on the rise now that spring is here, Southwestern Public Health is reminding residents to stay vigilant as ticks become more active.
While ticks are present year-round, they become particularly active when temperatures rise above freezing. Often found in wooded areas, shrubs, tall grass, or leaf piles, these small parasites can pose a health risk as some carry Lyme disease.
To reduce the chances of tick bites, public health officials recommend the following precautions when spending time outdoors:
- Cover up: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toed shoes if you’re heading into wooded or grassy areas.
- Tuck in your clothes: Tuck your pants into your socks to stop ticks from crawling up your legs.
- Choose light-colored clothes: This makes it easier to spot ticks.
- Use bug spray with DEET: Follow the instructions on the label.
- Check for ticks: After you’ve been outdoors, check your body for ticks, especially around your neck, underarms, and groin. They like those spots best.
If you find a tick on a human, Southwestern Public Health does offer tick identification services. For more information, visit swpublichealth.ca/ticks.
Written by: K. Freeman
