Prevention

What does a tick look like?

Canada is home to many species of ticks. The most common Lyme disease carrier is the Ixodes Tick often known as the "black-legged" or "deer" tick.

Ixodes ticks :

  • have hard-shelled brown and black bodies, but appear greyish when engorged and some times are confused with a skin tag;
  • have 8 legs as adults (baby ticks have only 6)
  • are 1-5 mm long and can grow up to 20mm when feeding

Where can they be found?

Although commonly found in wooded areas, ticks can be found pretty much anywhere because they travel on birds, rodents, pets, and other animals.

Ticks know no borders nor boundaries.

10 tips to avoid tick bites

  • 1. Wear long pants and sleeves that are tight at the waist, wrists, ankles and neck if you're hiking in grassy or wooded areas.
  • 2. Get regular check-ups if you experience common Lyme symptoms, especially if you spend time in high-risk areas.
  • 3. If you discover a feeding tick, use a safe removal method. Proper tick removal will greatly reduce your risk of infection.
  • 4. Check the exposed, hairy regions of your body daily during camping trips. Ticks like to hide in hair. Don't forget your scalp!
  • 5. Avoid endemic Lyme areas during the late spring/summer.
  • Source: CanLyme

© chdeisgns 2017