Ticks

Ticks Why Are They a Problem?

Ticks are responsible for the spread of Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever; both are bacterial infections. Since 1988, over 100,000 cases of Lyme disease have been reported in North America. Lyme disease is most often reported in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast United States, but has also been reported throughout the US and in many parts of Canada. Infected ticks have to feed on their hosts for a minimum of 24 hours before Lyme disease can be transmitted.

Tick Biology

Ticks are blood feeders and are attracted to all mammals, including people and pets. Some can detect people from up to five metres away. Typically, a tick they will wait at the top of a blade of grass or in low-lying foliage. When an animal or human comes along, it attaches itself to it for a meal. Usually, people and animals do not even notice that they have been bitten.

The smaller the tick the harder it is to detect. About 75 per cent of biting incidents happen between May and September, when tick nymphs are the size of a pinhead.

How to Avoid Ticks from Biting

  • The best protection from ticks is to make sure they do not attach themselves to you or your pet.
  • If you are walking in an area known for Lyme disease-carrying ticks, make sure your skin is covered, especially below the knee and between your pant-leg and shoes, where ticks commonly attach themselves.
  • Once you return home, examine your skin and your pet’s fur for ticks. If you spot one, carefully remove it with tweezers, taking care to remove the whole tick.
  • Wear light-coloured socks and pants to make spotting ticks easier.

Recommended Treatment

When in a tick-infested area, the best protection is a federally registered insect repellent that contains DEET, such as these OFF!® products.