The beginning of summer signals the beginning of tick season. Canada’s Public Health Agency advises us that the population of black-legged ticks is growing exponentially here in our country. And since many Canadians are active, outdoorsy types, this means vigilance is important if you want to play outside and stay tick-free.
If you don’t already know this, the black-legged tick is the primary carrier of Lyme disease. A disease that can easily be avoided by taking the proper precautions before and after you venture outdoors and into fields, forests and grassy parklands or even the golf course. Lyme disease is a very serious illness, caused by deer tick bites – leading to possible serious neurological conditions. The disease contributes to arthritic pain and can even lead to paralysis.
What Are They?
Deer ticks are defined as the following:
A very small insect found in the eastern U.S. and in Canada that usually feeds on deer and that can give the person or animal it bites various diseases (such as Lyme disease).
These tiny arachnids are most active from April through September here in Canada and parts of North America, living in wooded areas and in long grasses. In order to survive, these pesky bugs need blood. You make a tasty meal if you’re not careful.
How They Get on You
- By hopping directly onto your clothing – you may brush against vegetation where they are harboured.
- Reaching you via a pet that may have ticks on them, which you may stroke or pat.
- Via wildlife, such as deer, that may be carrying them.
Once they hop aboard, they’ll then crawl around until they get to some flesh under your clothing and burrow in, attaching themselves to your body. Then the feeding starts – around 24 hours later, their bacteria will have been transmitted into you, the host. You probably won’t even feel them. Some even inject an anesthetic-like substance that numbs the area first before they get going.
How to Avoid Them
- Wear long pants and long sleeved shirts when out hiking or when you’re walking in long grass or wooded areas.
- Tuck your pants into your socks and your shirt into your pants.
- Be sure to check your boots or shoes (don’t wear sandals or flip flops) after being out in the wild – heck, even if you were just out in the local park. Leave them outside and clean them accordingly. Deer are known carriers and are more and more frequently found in urban areas.
- Always check your body regularly and your companions’ too. Have them look at the backside of your body for you, and you theirs.
- Check your kids or grandchildren before they come indoors from play.
- Also examine your pets carefully. They can carry infected ticks into your home or yard on their hair/fur.
- Check your gear too. Backpacks, towels, picnic hampers, camping gear and sleeping bags, blankets, etc.
- Stay out of long grass or low-lying brush – keep to the paths or trails.
- Apply insect repellent to your skin and on clothing before you venture out and reapply as needed.
Bad Signs
Early signs and symptoms of a tick bite are flu-like feelings, rash, fever, chills, swollen glands, headache, fatigue and achy joints. In the case of Lyme disease, the bite area will emerge as a bulls-eye (target-like) type of swelling at the bite site. If this is the case, you are urged to seek medical attention immediately.
If you can see the tick embedded in your body, do not try to remove it yourself if you are not confident in doing so. Seek the aid of a professional medical practitioner if possible.
If you can remove the tick(s) within 24-36 hours after they bite, you can usually prevent an infection. Left to themselves, tick bites, especially those carrying Lyme disease can result in more severe and disabling symptoms which can last from months to years.
How to Remove a Tick
The following advice (and other valuable information concerning ticks) comes courtesy of The Government of Canada:
- Using clean tweezers, grasp the head as close to the skin as possible and slowly pull straight out. Try not to twist or crush the tick.
- If the mouthparts break off and remain in the skin, remove them with tweezers or, if you are unable to take them out easily, leave them alone and let the skin heal. Consult your healthcare provider.
- Wash both the bite area and your hands with soap and water or disinfect with an alcohol hand sanitizer.
- Try to save the tick that bit you in a sealed container and record the date and location. Bring it to your medical appointment as it may help the doctor in their assessment of your illness.
- Ticks can be disposed of in household garbage once they are dead, and they can be killed by drowning them in rubbing alcohol or by freezing for several hours. Avoid squashing ticks with exposed fingers.
- Don’t try to remove the tick by using nail polish, petroleum jelly or heat to burn the tick.
Be Safe Out There
With a bit of care, some extra precautions, and attention to your environment, a walk or hike out in the great outdoors here in Canada or anywhere for that matter, need not end up with a nasty tick bite and a trip to the doctor.