Protect yourself and your pets this tick season

With warmer weather arriving in Mississauga, it’s that time of year again: tick season. As we spend more time outdoors, it’s crucial to check yourself and your pets for ticks regularly. Ticks are tiny bugs that feed on blood, like mosquitoes. Their bites are usually painless, but they can cause serious health issues. Ticks can be found in grassy areas and can be hard to spot because they are so small, often less than the size of a pinhead.

Know the risks

The black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick, is the one we need to watch out for, as it can carry diseases like Lyme disease. This is a big concern because Lyme disease can have serious health effects. While these ticks can be found in areas like Mississauga, you’re more likely to see the American dog tick, which doesn’t spread Lyme disease.

How to stay safe during tick season

Here are some easy tips to keep you and your pets safe from ticks:

1. Dress for protection: Wear long sleeves and pants, tucking your pants into your socks or boots. Lighter-coloured clothes make it easier to see ticks.
2. Check for ticks after being outdoors: Use a lint roller on your clothes before coming inside to catch any ticks. If you’ve been outside, toss your clothes in the dryer on high for about 10 minutes to kill any remaining ticks.
3. Stay on trails: When hiking or walking in grassy areas, stick to the middle of the paths and avoid brushing against plants where ticks may be waiting.
4. Check your body: After being outside, look for ticks on your body, especially in spots like under your arms, around your ears, and in your hair.

Keep pets safe too

Here’s how to protect your pets during tick season:

1. Avoid high tick areas: Keep your pets away from areas where ticks are common, especially in wooded places.
2. Ask Your vet: Talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention options for your pets.
3. Inspect your pets: After outdoor playtime, regularly check your pet for ticks. Keep your yard tidy by mowing the lawn and removing the brush to lower the chances of ticks living there.

If you get bitten by a tick

If you or your pet gets bitten, remove the tick quickly with fine-tipped tweezers by pulling it straight out, close to the skin. Clean the bite area and your hands afterwards. If you’re bitten by a black-legged tick, contact your healthcare provider to see if you need antibiotics to prevent Lyme disease.

Reporting ticks

Peel Public Health officials have changed their process for tracking ticks. While they won’t accept tick submissions from the public anymore, ticks found on people can be sent through healthcare providers for identification. You can also take a picture of the tick and use this website or mobile app for a quick identification response. Visit Ontario Public Health for information on Lyme Disease.

Ticks and climate change

Due to climate change, ticks are becoming more common in Canada, with warmer weather allowing them to survive and reproduce more easily. This makes checking for ticks even more important during this season. As tick season kicks off, it’s key to stay aware and take simple steps to reduce the risk of tick bites. This will help keep you, your family, and your pets safe and healthy.

Tags

• Animal Services
• Climate Change
• Wildlife and Pets