Tick season has arrived in Lacombe County, with some recently found in the Soper Natural Area, east of Blackfalds.
Ticks are most active in warmer months and can be found in tall grass, wooded areas and even urban parks. While most ticks are harmless, some can carry Lyme disease — a serious bacterial infection that can affect both people and animals if not treated early.
If you find a tick
- Remove it carefully using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or crush the tick.
- Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
- Place the tick in a sealed container or plastic bag with a moist paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Note the date and where on the body the tick was found.
- Submit the tick for identification. In Alberta, ticks can be submitted to Alberta Health for testing. Visit the Alberta website to learn more.
Watch for symptoms
After a tick bite, monitor for symptoms such as rash, fever, fatigue or joint pain, especially in the weeks following the bite. Early treatment is key if Lyme disease is suspected.
Protect yourself outdoors
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Wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas.
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Use insect repellent that contains DEET or icaridin.
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Do a full tick check after being outdoors — including on pets and gear.
Learn more
The Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation (CanLyme) offers resources for identifying ticks, recognizing Lyme disease symptoms and staying safe outdoors.
Visit the CanLyme website for more information.
With information from Lacombe County.
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