We regret to inform you that ticks are already out and about
Unfortunately, the ticks are back in town.
March is national tick awareness month in Canada, and the timing couldn’t be better (or worse, depending on how you look at it), because now that temperatures are climbing above the freezing mark, ticks are starting to emerge in southern Ontario.
Last week, I was browsing Facebook and came across a March 19 post in the Burlington Together group. The author said she had been on a nature walk, presumably in Burlington, Ont., and a tick had latched onto her.
She does not disclose the exact location, but others replied to the post confrming they have also seen ticks in the area.
While you’re most likely to find ticks in tall grass, wooded areas, or in leaf litter, they can be anywhere. Sometimes, they fall from trees, or even the sky, because invasive ticks are known to fly into town by hitching a ride on migrating birds.
Ticks are active any time the temperature is consistently above freezing and there isn't any snow on the ground, reads a statement on the Government of Canada's website.
Ticks in Canada
At present, there are several types of ticks found in Canada. Only black-legged ticks can transmit the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is responsible for Lyme disease, and that's only if the tick is infected with the bacteria.
Lab studies show that black-legged ticks are active anytime the temperature is above four degrees Celsius, Katie Clow, an assistant professor at Ontario Veterinary College, told The Weather Network in 2021.
Black-legged ticks prefer wooded and brushy areas and places where humidity is higher. They're most active in humid conditions when temperatures are lower.
Ticks can spread other diseases, too
Lyme disease isn't the only concern. Worldwide, there are about 899 species of ticks, which can carry several diseases with symptoms ranging from headaches to rashes.
One tick, the Lone Star tick, carries a pathogen with an even more concerning effect.
Bites from infected Lone Star ticks can develop into alpha-gal syndrome. When they bite, the ticks transmit a sugar molecule called alpha-gal. In some, this can trigger the immune system to react and produce allergic reactions to red meat.
There's no treatment for the allergy other than avoiding red meat, but for many people, the condition goes away over time.
While not established, the Lone Star tick has been spotted in Ontario and Manitoba.
Ticks and Lyme disease
Not all ticks cause Lyme disease.
There are several types of ticks found in Canada. Only black-legged ticks can transmit the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi that causes the condition, and that's only if the tick is infected with the bacteria.
Black-legged ticks prefer wooded and brushy areas and places where humidity is higher. They're most active in humid conditions when temperatures are lower.
Early detection is one of the best ways to treat Lyme disease. Experts say the condition is rising in Canada and the U.S. due to ticks expanding northward and warmer weather, which helps the arachnids survive in previously too-cold climates.
Lyme disease symptoms can take three days to one month to occur. The condition is treatable with antibiotics.
Spot a tick? Here's what you do
Remove the tick immediately using fine-tipped tweezers. If you find a tick on your pet, contact your vet.
Do not squeeze the body during the removal process, as this can accidentally let Lyme disease bacteria into the body.
Do not put anything on the tick or try to burn it, as this may prompt the tick to release bacteria into the bite area.
Clean the bite area with soap and water.
Seek medical attention immediately. If possible, bring the tick with you.
And remember...
While ticks can be scary, using a DEET repellent, showering immediately after returning home, and wearing long pants and sleeves outside make a difference.
That's backed by science.
Header image: File photo made by Cheryl Santa Maria using elements from Canva Pro.