Learn how to protect yourself from ticks in Canada this summer. Discover where ticks live, how to prevent tick bites, how to remove ticks safely, and the symptoms of Lyme disease.
Ticks are active across much of Canada during the warmer months, making summer the peak season for tick bites. Whether you’re hiking, camping, gardening, golfing, or simply enjoying your backyard, it’s important to know how to protect yourself from ticks and reduce your risk of illnesses like Lyme disease.
The good news is that a few simple precautions can go a long way toward keeping you and your family safe while enjoying the outdoors.
Why Are Ticks a Concern in Canada?
Ticks are tiny parasites that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Over the past several years, tick populations have expanded across Canada due to warmer temperatures and changing environmental conditions.
While not every tick carries disease, some blacklegged (deer) ticks can transmit Lyme disease, as well as other illnesses such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Powassan virus.
Where Are Ticks Found?
Ticks prefer moist, shaded environments and are commonly found in:
- Tall grass
- Wooded areas
- Forest trails
- Leaf litter
- Bushes and shrubs
- Parks and nature reserves
- Cottage properties
- Overgrown backyards
Ticks cannot jump or fly. Instead, they wait on vegetation and latch onto people or pets as they brush past.
Wear Protective Clothing
Covering exposed skin is one of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of tick bites.
When spending time outdoors:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts.
- Choose long pants instead of shorts.
- Tuck your pants into your socks when walking through tall grass.
- Wear closed-toe shoes or hiking boots.
- Choose light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot.
Use Tick Repellent
Apply an insect repellent that is effective against ticks before heading outdoors.
Look for products containing:
- DEET
- Icaridin (Picaridin)
Always follow the directions on the product label. If you’re also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent afterward.
Stay on Marked Trails
If you’re hiking or exploring parks, try to:
- Stay in the centre of trails.
- Avoid walking through tall grass or dense vegetation.
- Don’t sit directly on logs or leaf litter.
- Keep children away from overgrown brush.
Ticks are much more common in vegetation than on maintained pathways.
Do a Tick Check After Being Outdoors
One of the best ways to prevent Lyme disease is to remove ticks before they’ve been attached for an extended period.
After spending time outdoors, carefully check:
- Your scalp and hairline
- Behind your ears
- Under your arms
- Around your waist
- Behind your knees
- Between your legs
- Around your ankles
Parents should also check children carefully, and pet owners should inspect dogs and cats before bringing them indoors.
Shower Soon After Coming Inside
Taking a shower within two hours of coming indoors may help wash away unattached ticks while giving you an opportunity to perform a thorough tick check.
It’s also recommended to place outdoor clothing in a hot dryer for about 10 minutes (or longer if clothes are damp) to kill any ticks hiding in your clothing.
Protect Your Pets
Dogs and outdoor cats can easily pick up ticks during walks or outdoor adventures.
Ask your veterinarian about tick prevention products if your pets regularly visit:
- Hiking trails
- Campgrounds
- Cottage properties
- Dog parks
- Wooded areas
Regular grooming and tick inspections are also recommended.
How to Remove a Tick Safely
If you discover a tick attached to your skin:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers.
- Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible.
- Pull upward slowly with steady pressure.
- Avoid twisting or crushing the tick.
- Clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
Do not use petroleum jelly, nail polish, heat, or matches to remove a tick. These methods can increase the risk of disease transmission.
Know the Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Symptoms can appear days or even weeks after a tick bite.
Watch for:
- A bull’s-eye or expanding circular rash (not everyone develops one)
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
If you develop symptoms after a tick bite or after spending time in tick habitat, seek medical attention promptly. Early treatment is usually very effective.
Make Your Yard Less Attractive to Ticks
You can help reduce tick populations around your home by:
- Keeping your lawn mowed.
- Removing leaf litter.
- Trimming overgrown shrubs.
- Creating gravel or wood chip borders between lawns and wooded areas.
- Storing firewood neatly in dry locations.
These simple landscaping changes can make your property less inviting to ticks.
Enjoy Canada’s Outdoors Safely This Summer
Ticks are becoming more common across Canada, but they don’t have to keep you indoors. Wearing protective clothing, using insect repellent, staying on maintained trails, checking yourself and your pets after outdoor activities, and removing ticks promptly can significantly reduce your risk of tick-borne illnesses.
Whether you’re heading to the cottage, camping with family, hiking in a provincial park, or simply enjoying your backyard, a little preparation can help ensure your summer stays safe and enjoyable.
