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While many people associate ticks with the summer months, tick season doesn’t end when the weather cools down. In fact, ticks remain active throughout the fall and can even survive during milder winter days.
As tick populations continue to expand across Ontario, understanding the risks associated with tick bites and tick-borne illnesses can help you stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.
We asked Victoria Serapion, Infection Control Practitioner at Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), to share her top tips for preventing tick bites and what you should know about tick-born illnesses this fall.
"People tend to be outdoors more often in the summer months, which is when people become more aware of ticks. However, ticks are active in the spring, summer and fall. Anytime temperatures are above freezing and the ground isn't covered in snow, you can encounter a tick."
Ticks are small insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. Some ticks carry bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause illness. In Ontario, the blacklegged tick (also known as a deer tick) can transmit bacteria that causes Lyme disease, the most commonly reported tick-borne illness in the province. Other tick-borne illnesses include anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan virus. However, not all ticks carry disease and not every tick bite results in illness.
"Tick-borne illnesses, particularly Lyme disease, have become an increasing public health concern in Ontario as blacklegged tick populations have expanded into more areas of the province,” says Victoria. “Each year, more cases of Lyme disease are reported. Early recognition is important because prompt treatment is highly effective and can help prevent more serious complications."
"If an infected tick remains attached and feeds for a sufficient amount of time, the bacteria can be transmitted into a person's bloodstream."
Tick bites are usually painless, making people unaware that they’ve been bitten. Here are five ways to protect yourself from tick-born illnesses this fall.
1. Know where ticks are commonly found
Ticks can be active whenever temperatures are above freezing and are commonly found in natural outdoor environments.
While wooded areas and forests are common habitats, you don't necessarily need to be deep in the woods to encounter a tick.
"Ticks are often found in wooded areas, tall grasses, leaf piles, shrubs, damp edges of rivers and streams and other natural environments. People may be surprised to learn that ticks can also be found in suburban parks, conservation areas, golf courses, along trail edges and even in their own backyards if there is suitable habitat."
What you can do: Be aware of your surroundings.
2. Dress to protect yourself
Wearing the right clothing can help reduce your risk of tick bites while spending time outdoors.
What you can do: Cover exposed skin.
To learn more about DEET and icaridin, visit the Government of Canada Personal Insect Repellents webpage.
3. Perform a tick check after spending time outdoors
Finding and removing a tick early can help reduce the risk of Lyme disease transmission.
"Performing a full-body tick check after spending time outdoors is an important part of protecting yourself. Showering soon after coming indoors can also help you find unattached ticks."
What you can do: Check yourself, your family and your pets.
After spending time outdoors:
4. Remove ticks safely and seek care when needed
If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible. Proper removal can help reduce the risk of infection.
What you can do: Act quickly.
"Before disposing of a tick, call or check the website of your local public health unit to get advice on how to identify the tick. You can also submit a photo of the tick to etick.ca for identification."
Seek medical attention if:
For Ontario residents, pharmacists can prescribe medication to help prevent Lyme disease following a tick bite. Check with your local pharmacy to see if they offer this service or visit the Government of Ontario’s common ailments webpage for more information.
5. Know the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease
Symptoms of Lyme disease can appear days to weeks after a tick bite and may vary from person to person.
What you can do: Monitor your health.
Common symptoms may include:
"Early symptoms of Lyme disease can appear anywhere from three to 30 days after a tick bite and may include a circular (bull’s eye) or expanding rash, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches and swollen lymph nodes. Not everyone develops the characteristic rash."
If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to more serios complications affecting the joints, heart and nervous system.
"Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are very effective. If Lyme disease is left untreated, it can lead to more serious health problems, including arthritis, facial paralysis, heart rhythm abnormalities and neurological complications. Early detection greatly reduces the risk of these complications."
If you develop symptoms after a tick bite or after spending time in areas where ticks may be present, seek medical advice.
To learn more about tick-borne illnesses, Lyme disease and how to protect yourself:
"Remember, ticks don’t disappear when summer ends. Awareness and early action are the best ways to stay safe while enjoying Ontario's outdoors."
Learn more about tick prevention from Victoria Serapion in this Instagram reel.
