-
Wood ticks are most common to the District and are harmless to humans, mainly causing frustration when trying to remove the stubborn creatures from the skin.
-
Wood ticks nymphs and adults are 3 to 7 mm long, dark brown to black in colour, and have 8 legs
-
Female ticks engorged with blood appear to have an orange/yellow abdomen
-
Deer ticks – the species which can spread
Lyme Disease to humans – are increasing in numbers due to milder winters and springs which have allowed them to thrive
-
Lyme disease is a serious inflammatory illness which affects the central nervous system, cardiovascular system, and joints.
-
Only two human cases of Lyme disease have been reported within Northwestern Ontario since 1995. Although the human risk of Lyme disease in the District is low due to the small population of deer ticks in the area, the Health Unit recommends taking precautions to prevent tick bites.
-
If you find a tick, keep it in a sealed container and bring it to your doctor or the Health Unit to have the species identified.
Prevention:
-
Wear light-coloured clothing to help you see any ticks that may be on you.
-
Wear shirts or sweatshirts with long sleeves and cuffs, pants, and socks.
-
Use insect repellants with DEET.
-
Be sure to inspect yourself after being outdoors.
-
Inspect your pets for ticks .
Tick Removal:
-
Remove it safely by using tweezers.
-
Keep tweezers as close to skin as possible and gently but firmly pull it out of your skin.
-
If possible, retain the tick in a sealed container and bring it to your doctor or the Health Unit to have the species identified.
Other Links to Information about Ticks and Lyme Disease: