As the summer season gets closer, Ontario campers and hikers are already reporting a noticeable surge in tick activity. Recent reports from provincial parks highlight that the tick presence this spring feels like it’s “on another level.”
According to public health experts, this isn’t just an anomaly. Pathogen-carrying tick species are steadily moving north into Canada from the U.S. at a rate of about 50 kilometres per year. Historically, many tick species could not survive our harsh winters, but now it is becoming easier for them to survive and spread, potentially bringing novel tick-borne pathogens with them.
While Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Kieran Moore, notes that the overall probability of encountering a tick carrying Lyme disease remains relatively low, the geographical risk area is growing. Being proactive allows you to enjoy time outdoors while minimizing your risk.
Here is what you need to know to keep your family and pets protected this summer.
The Lowdown on Ticks in Ontario
The Culprits: There are roughly 40 species of ticks in Canada, but only the black-legged tick can transmit the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease (and only if the tick itself is infected).
- The Environment: Ticks love humidity. They thrive in wooded, tall-grass, and brushy areas.
- The Temperature: Don’t wait for a heatwave to be on guard. Studies show that black-legged ticks become active any time the temperature climbs above 4°C.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Family
You don’t need to stay indoors to avoid ticks; you just need to follow a few science-backed precautions:
- Dress Wisely: Wear long sleeves and tuck your pants into your socks when walking through brush or tall grass. Light-coloured clothing makes it much easier to spot a hitchhiking tick.
- Use Repellent: Apply an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin.
- The Post-Hike Routine: Always do a thorough tick check on yourself, your kids, and your pets after being outdoors. Showering immediately after returning home is also an excellent way to wash off any unattached ticks.
Found a Tick? Here is What to Do
- Use Fine-Tipped Tweezers: Grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
Pull Straight Up: Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not squeeze the body, twist it, or jerk it, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off or force bacteria into the bite.
- Avoid “Old Wives’ Tales”: Do not try to burn the tick, smother it with petroleum jelly, or use rubbing alcohol to force it out. This can prompt the tick to release bacteria into the wound.
- Clean the Area: Wash the bite area thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
- See a Doctor: If the tick was attached for a while or you develop symptoms (like a fever, headache, or a “bullseye” rash), see a medical professional immediately. If possible, save the tick in a container and bring it with you.
🐾 For Your Pets: If you find a tick on your dog or cat, contact your veterinarian for advice on proper removal and preventative medications.
Track Tick Activity in Real-Time
Want to know if ticks have been spotted near your favourite Georgian Bay trail? You can look up local data or upload a photo of a tick you found for fast identification using eTick, a free surveillance platform funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
By making a quick tick check part of your daily cottage routine, you can keep your family protected while enjoying everything the outdoors has to offer.
Read more about the current tick situation in Ontario here and the Ontario government has a downloadable guide on tick bite prevention, safe removal steps, and Lyme disease information here.