The traditional belief that encountering ticks was more common in summer and in areas with tall grass has been challenged by new advice from Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health. The health unit now recommends conducting tick checks after any outdoor activity when the temperature is above 0 degrees Celsius.
According to Phil Wong, the director of operations for health protection at the health unit, their surveillance program showed an expansion in tick encounters beyond wooded trails. Wong highlighted three primary areas where people are at risk:
- Visiting parks, trails, and camping sites with long grass.
- Finding ticks on private properties, especially while gardening or raking leaves.
- Occupational exposure for individuals working outdoors.
Wong emphasized that many people are discovering ticks on their properties, not just in long grass but also while engaging in activities like gardening. He mentioned that parents need not worry about ticks on playgrounds, as ticks prefer damp areas and avoid direct sunlight.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has updated its tick guidance due to the increasing local tick population and the projected influx of ticks from the United States. Health Canada states that Canada is home to over 40 tick species, some native while others brought in by birds and deer.
Some ticks carry diseases such as Lyme disease, which can be transmitted by the Western blacklegged tick. The lone star tick, another species found in Canada, can cause individuals to develop a meat allergy. To address the risks associated with ticks, the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre was recently established at Acadia University in Nova Scotia.
Justin Wood, the founder of Geneticks and a Lyme disease researcher at the University of Guelph, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for tick-borne illnesses. Despite hopes that ticks would diminish during cold winters, Wood explained that ticks hibernate in leaf litter and survive despite the weather conditions.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health encourages the public to report tick encounters online for tracking purposes. Wong reassured the public that enjoying outdoor activities is still safe as long as tick checks are conducted upon returning home.
