Health Unit Offers Tips To Help Avoid Tick Bites

Health officials are urging people to take extra precautions against tick bites as warmer weather increases tick activity across many parts of Canada and the United States. Public health units said ticks are becoming more active during spring and summer, raising concerns about the spread of Lyme disease and other tick-related illnesses. Authorities are now sharing important safety advice to help people protect themselves while spending time outdoors.

According to health experts, blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks, can carry harmful bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The illness can lead to fever, tiredness, headaches, muscle pain and skin rashes. If left untreated, Lyme disease may affect the joints, heart and nervous system. Officials said the number of tick sightings and Lyme disease cases has increased in several regions over recent years because of warmer temperatures and changing environmental conditions.

Health units are advising people to wear long sleeves, long pants and closed shoes when walking through forests, grassy fields or areas with thick bushes where ticks are commonly found. Experts also recommend using insect repellents containing DEET or icaridin on skin and clothing to reduce the risk of bites. Wearing light-colored clothing can also help people spot ticks more easily before they attach to the skin.

Officials said checking the body carefully after outdoor activities is one of the most important ways to prevent infection. Ticks are often found around the legs, underarms, scalp, behind the knees and around the waist. Doctors explained that removing a tick quickly can lower the risk of disease because infection usually requires the tick to remain attached for several hours. Health experts recommend using fine-tipped tweezers to remove ticks slowly and carefully without crushing them.

Pet owners are also being warned to check dogs and cats regularly because animals can carry ticks into homes. Veterinarians advise using approved tick prevention products for pets during tick season. Public health officials said families should also keep grass short and remove leaf piles around homes to reduce areas where ticks may live.

Doctors said anyone who develops symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain or unusual tiredness after a tick bite should seek medical attention quickly. Early treatment with antibiotics is usually effective for Lyme disease and can help prevent serious complications. Health officials continue to encourage awareness and prevention as tick populations expand across more regions each year.