The Truth About Ticks

Photo: Toronto Region Conservation Authority

What are ticks?

Ticks are arachnids, relatives of spiders, mites and scorpions. They don’t fly, move very slowly and feed off the blood of animals and humans. There are many different types of ticks, all of which are active when temperatures are above freezing.



Where are ticks found?

Ticks can be found almost everywhere in Ontario. They can be found low to the ground in tall grasses, bushes and wooded areas – even in your neighbourhood park.



Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an illness caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria that is spread through the bite of an infected black-legged tick (also called a deer tick). Not all black-legged ticks carry Lyme disease and only infected ones can transmit the disease.



Infected blacklegged ticks need to be attached for at least 24 hours in order to transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.



There’s No Reason to Stay Indoors

Lyme disease is preventable and simple precautions are the best defence. If you do get bitten by a tick, antibiotics are available at most pharmacies to stop any potential infections before they happen. 



Just like we protect ourselves against the sun, we also need to take precautions to avoid tick bites. As a bonus, the way we protect ourselves from ticks also helps prevent mosquito bites and exposure to poison ivy.



Here are a few ways to protect yourself from ticks:

• Wear light-coloured clothing. It makes ticks easier to spot
• Wear closed footwear and socks and a long-sleeved shirt tucked into long pants. Tuck your pants into your socks
• Use a tick repellent that has DEET or icaridin on your clothes and exposed skin (be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions)
• Search your clothes and body for ticks at least once a day, paying special attention to areas such as the groin, belly button, armpits, scalp, and behind ears and knees.
• Use a mirror to check the back of your body or have someone else check for you. Don’t forget to tick check children in your care
• Place outdoor clothing through the dryer cycle for 60 minutes on high heat before washing to kill any ticks that may be hard to see.

While ticks are present in our area, there is no need to be afraid to explore nature. By taking some simple precautions, some of which you are likely doing already, tick bites and lyme disease can be easily avoided.