NEWS RELEASE WELLINGTON-DUFFERIN-GUELPH PUBLIC HEALTH
As tick populations expand and more people encounter ticks at times and places they may not expect, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (WDG) Public Health is updating some of its guidelines to help residents better protect themselves from tick bites and related illnesses.
“People are often most vigilant about ticks around long grass and during summer, but that is no longer the full picture,” said Phil Wong, Director of Operations, Health Protection, WDG Public Health. “As ticks become more prevalent in the community, we want residents to rethink tick risks and make sure they take the proper precautions.”
Tick checks are important year round
Ticks can pose a risk in any season. Blacklegged ticks, which carry Lyme disease, can be active whenever temperatures are above zero degrees Celsius, making it possible to encounter them during early spring, late fall and even mild winter days. WDG Public Health encourages residents to perform full-body tick checks on themselves, their children and their pets whenever they spend time outdoors.
Ticks can thrive in a range of habitats
Different tick species live in different environments. Blacklegged ticks prefer shaded, humid spots like wooded areas, leaf litter and trail edges, while American dog ticks are usually found in grassy areas and meadows. Ticks can also be transported by wildlife, so it is more common to encounter them in a variety of outdoor settings as populations increase.
Residents should report ticks online
Proper identification is an important first step in understanding tick risks. While WDG Public Health no longer accepts ticks for lab testing, an online photo submission tool is available to the community. Residents can submit a clear photo and receive timely identification and public health guidance by visiting wdgpublichealth.ca/tickphotos.
For more information, including tips for preventing tick bites, reducing ticks around your property and how to perform a tick check, visit wdgpublichealth.ca/ticks.
