Ticks

When I was a kid, there was never talk of ticks.  It wasn’t until the early 70’s that ticks were first identified in Southwestern Ontario.  It was only in the last decade or two that ticks have become something of a concern. 

The evening news of a few days ago reported out that ticks are expected to be a bigger issue in 2024.  No small wonder.  Temperatures this winter have been milder than ever, boding well for ticks, but likely making life miserable for those of us who love to spend time outdoors. 

An extended deep freeze is nature’s way of keeping ticks and other harmful insects at bay, but the last few years have given us more jacket days than parka days. 

Ticks wouldn’t be a problem if it were not for the bite of certain infected blacklegged ticks.  And while the likelihood of you or I suffering adverse effects of a tick bite attack are small, we do need to take precautions to avoid the risk of serious health issues.  And unfortunately, we cannot decipher between a harmful or harmless tick.

Ticks are very small, and while adult ticks can get under your skin, it is generally the immature nymph that can cause harm.  And because ticks are so small, their bites are often painless, and can occur without your knowledge. 

The best way to avoid Tick bites is to practice an ounce of prevention.  Be aware that ticks can attack anytime but are most active from early spring to mid summer.

When going outdoors, wear light coloured long sleeved clothing.  Tuck your shirt into your pants, wear long socks, and wear closed shoes. 

Avoid walking or playing in tick active locations.  Ticks love grassland and sites where leaves that have fallen in the fall have not yet been raked up in spring.

Walk on cleared pathways.  In our back forty we have about an acre of grassland that we have chosen to allow to naturalize.  But along the edges of the grassland we maintain a 3 metre wide strip that is mowed every 2 weeks. 

The City and County trail management staff keep local active trails well maintained enabling hikers to walk worry free.  Be smart and stay on the trail.

If you have spent time in a woodlot or area of unkept vegetation, take a shower when you come indoors.  Do a self-check for ticks, paying particular attention to your waist, armpits, between your legs, scalp, around ears and back of knees.  Do an equally thorough inspection of your children.  Beware of ticks on dogs. Dogs cannot spread lyme disease to humans, but can easily carry ticks and bring them indoors. 

After your hike, give your shoes, gear, tools and backpack a good shake and leave them outdoors.  Put your clothes in the dryer and run for 10 minutes on high heat.  When doing laundry, put the washing machine on high heat.