SASKATCHEWAN — With spring weather and warm temperatures on the horizon, tick activity across the province is also starting to increase. The Saskatchewan Health Authority reminds residents to take the proper precautions to reduce their risk of exposure to ticks.
In Saskatchewan, most tick bites occur from early spring to fall, with the most common species being the Dermacentor species, namely the American dog tick and the Rocky Mountain wood tick. These species become active in the spring, with peak activity occurring in May and June. Areas with tall grass, brush and wooded areas pose higher risks of ticks, as well as activities like camping, hiking or hunting. Tick activity will start to decline as they retreat underground during the extreme heat through July and August.
Dr. Simon Kapaj, a SHA Medical Health Officer, said residents can take a few simple steps to prevent and manage tick bites before and after being outdoors.
“While most tick bites don’t cause diseases, blacklegged ticks may cause Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and are showing up in places they haven’t before. You can protect yourself and your family against tick and insect bites by following simple measures when you spend time in an area where ticks may live,” said Dr. Kapaj.
For residents who plan to be outdoors where ticks may be found, here are some suggestions to help reduce tick exposure:
- Wear pants, long-sleeved shirts, and shoes that don’t show your bare feet.
- Tuck your pant legs into your socks to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
- Wear light-coloured clothing so ticks can be easily seen.
- Put on bug spray with DEET or Icaridin, and reapply as directed on the product.
- Stay on paths and avoid contact with tall grass or overgrown brush when hiking.
- Check yourself, children and pets for ticks after being outside.
- Shower or bathe as soon as possible after being outdoors to wash off loose ticks.
- Check household pets that go into tall grass and wooded areas frequently.
- Remove any ticks you find using tweezers. Take a photo of it and send it to eTick.ca
