Protecting Yourself from Ticks

By Andrea D’Souza

Going outside in the summertime for a walk or hike in nature is a great way to boost your physical and mental health. But while you’re taking in the beauty of the great outdoors, it’s important to be mindful of nature’s hazards, and to take precautions to protect yourself.

One tiny but potentially troublesome creature to be wary of is the tick. Ticks are parasitic arachnids that survive by feeding on the blood of a host such as dogs, cats, deer, and humans. Ticks cannot jump or fly, so they wait on tall vegetation like grass for a host to pass by, and climb onto them when the opportunity strikes. There are three types of ticks in Ontario: dog ticks, lone-star ticks, and black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks.

Ticks and Lyme disease

If a black-legged tick is carrying the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, their bites can transmit Lyme disease. Lyme disease is an infection that can cause minor issues such as rashes and headaches, but if left untreated can result in Lyme arthritis and harm your nervous system. Not all black-legged ticks can transmit Lyme disease, but it’s good practice to safeguard yourself from bites.

Know where ticks are abundant

Public Health Ontario has a map showing where the greatest population of ticks live, so you can be more vigilant if visiting these places. But keep in mind ticks are not limited to just these areas. They often hitch rides on birds or animals, so they can be found potentially anywhere in Ontario.

How to protect yourself from tick bites

The best way to avoid contracting Lyme disease from an infected tick is to avoid being bitten. For starters, stick to designated paths and trails which are less hospitable to ticks.

If you do walk or hike through wooded areas, or areas with tall plants and grasses, wear closed-toed shoes, and light coloured long-sleeved tops and pants. It’s best to avoid shorts. Keep your pants tucked into your socks for the best protection possible. Being dressed with protection in mind will make it harder for ticks to access your skin, and make it easier to spot ticks that may have climbed onto your clothes.

You can also use insect repellent specifically made to keep ticks away. Read labels carefully, as not all insect repellents will work for ticks. Look for repellents that contain DEET or icaridin to give yourself a layer of defence against ticks.

Checking for ticks after your excursion

Tick bites are generally painless, ticks themselves are small, and black-legged ticks typically need to be attached to their host for a minimum of 24 hours in order to transmit Lyme disease, so it’s crucial to be able to spot a tick that may have attached itself to you. Check all concealed areas of your body such as your armpits, groin, head and hair, behind your ears, and your belly button. After checking for ticks, it’s good practice to shower within two hours of your outdoor adventure.

Before washing your clothes, put them in the dryer on high for 10 minutes to kill any ticks that may be hiding in them. If you have pets, check them thoroughly for ticks before bringing them in from the outdoors. You can also talk to your veterinarian about tick prevention for your pet.

What to do if you’ve been bitten by a tick

If you happen to get bitten by a tick, you need to remove it properly. Crushing or damaging the tick in the process of removal may cause Lyme bacteria to pass from the tick into your bloodstream. Using fine-tipped tweezers, grab the tick as close to your skin as possible and firmly pull it straight out. Do not handle the tick too roughly, twist it, or squeeze it with force. Do not use fire, alcohol, or other substances to remove the tick.

After the tick has been safely removed, clean the bite area with soap and water and disinfect it with rubbing alcohol. Place the tick in a secure bottle or container and contact your local public health unit. Keep in mind that tick testing is used to monitor where ticks live and NOT for testing or diagnosing Lyme disease.

If you have been bitten, or recently visited an area where ticks may be present, and are experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical assistance by contacting your local public health unit or a healthcare professional.

• rash (bullseye rash, bruise-like rash, any other unusual rash)
• fever
• chills
• headache
• stiff neck
• muscle aches and joint pains
• fatigue (more tired than usual)
• swollen lymph nodes
• spasms, numbness or tingling
• facial paralysis

While Lyme disease is a serious matter, most cases can be treated successfully with antibiotics, so do not hesitate to seek medical assistance.

By following these preventative measures, you can have a safe and stress-free time in nature!