As temperatures begin to rise and the residents of Saskatchewan embark on more outdoors activities, the need to take precautions against tick bites and the risk of tick-borne illnesses rises as well.
"As we head outside to start enjoying the warmer weather, it is important to protect ourselves from the potential risk of tick bites," Medical Officer of Health Deputy Chief Dr. Julie Kryzanowski said.
"By taking simple precautions, we can protect ourselves and our families when enjoying time outdoors. This includes being vigilant in wooded or grassy areas, even in your backyard, and doing routine tick checks after being outside."
The risk of Lyme disease exposure in Saskatchewan is low, as the most prevalent species of ticks found within the province are the American dog tick, and wood tick. Which are active from mid-April until the end of July.
While not known to transmit Lyme disease to humans, the American dog tick is known to transmit Rickettsia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Tularaemia.
It is worth noting that field surveys have detected the presence of the disease-carrying Blacklegged ticks within the province as recently as 2023.
However, researchers state that there is no evidence of an established reproducing population at this time as it is believed that this particular species of tick is deposited by migratory birds.
The Government of Saskatchewan recommends you do the following to prevent tick bites:
- Wear light-coloured clothes so ticks can be easily seen.
- Wear pants, long-sleeved shirts, and shoes that do not expose your bare feet.
- Pull socks over your pant legs to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
- Use insect repellents that contain DEET or Icaridin. Apply repellent to clothes as well as your skin. Always read and follow the directions on the label. Some repellents may have age restrictions.
- Shower or bathe as soon as possible after being outside to wash off loose ticks and inspect for attached ticks.
If a tick has been found it should be removed immediately using fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Once the tick has been removed, wash the area with soap and water and then disinfect the area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or an iodine swab.
People can submit photographs of ticks found on humans or animals using the eTick online system at www.etick.ca to receive timely identification of the type of tick that attached to a person, pet, or livestock animal.
While awaiting identification results, keep the tick(s) in a secure container and store it in the freezer. eTick administrators may request that some ticks be submitted by mail for quality control purposes or further research. Ticks should not be submitted unless requested.
For more information on ticks and Lyme disease, including how to submit a tick for identification and testing, visit: saskatchewan.ca/lyme or https://research-groups.usask.ca/ticks/#Passivesurveillance.