Ticks and Lyme Disease
Ticks are tiny bugs the size of a sesame seed. They do not fly.
They are found on the ground, on tall grass and bushes and they attach themselves to animals and humans passing by.
Blacklegged ticks can carry bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Lyme disease is not spread from person to person.
Protect Yourself and your Child from Tick Bites
- Dress in light coloured clothing to easily spot ticks
- Wear clothing that covers arms and legs when walking in wooded areas. Tuck in loose clothing and have your child wear shoes that cover the entire foot.
- Spray insect repellent that contains DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Always follow manufacturer's instructions
- Check yourself and your child's skin for ticks after outdoor activity. Pay special attention to areas such as the groin, scalp and armpits. Tick bites are usually painless, so your child will likely not feel the tick.
- Cut your grass and dispose of leaf litter where ticks can live
Ticks are really small insects which need to be removed properly from your body.
Identify
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Remove
Removing Ticks
For more information, call 905-688-8248, ext. 7330 or 1-888-505-6074.
(Video courtesy of the Province of Ontario)
Report Ticks to our Public Health Department
You can report ticks to us by:
- Placing the tick in a screw top bottle
- Bringing the tick to Public Health to be identified:
Niagara Region Headquarters, Cambell East Reception
2201 St. David's Rd., Thorold
(across from Brock University)
For further information, call Environmental Health at 905-688-8248 ext. 7767 or 1-888-505-6074.
Areas Where Blacklegged Ticks are Commonly Found
There are areas in Ontario that are considered high risk with an established tick population. However, it is important to note that you can be bitten by a tick anywhere outside of these high risk areas as well. These areas include:
- Long Point Provincial Park
- Rondeau Provincial Park
- Turkey Point Provincial Park
- Point Pelee National Park
- Prince Edward Point National Wildlife Area
- St. Lawrence Islands National Park
- Wainfleet Bog Conservation Area
Statistics about Lyme Disease in Niagara