Ottawa's tick season has arrived, and public health experts are urging residents to take precautions before heading out to the city's parks, trails, and green spaces this spring.
As temperatures warm up across the Ottawa Valley and surrounding region, blacklegged ticks — also known as deer ticks — become increasingly active. These tiny parasites are capable of transmitting Lyme disease, a bacterial infection that can cause serious long-term health issues if left untreated.
When and Where Ticks Are Most Active
Ticks tend to thrive in wooded areas, tall grasses, and leaf litter. In the Ottawa region, that means popular spots like Gatineau Park, the Greenbelt trails, Richmond Nature Park, and Mer Bleue Bog are all areas where residents should be vigilant. Ticks are most active from spring through fall, with peak activity occurring between May and July — right when Ottawans are most eager to get outside.
Blacklegged ticks can be as small as a sesame seed, making them easy to miss on skin or clothing.
How to Protect Yourself
Public health officials recommend a few simple steps to reduce your risk:
- Wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot before they attach.
- Tuck your pants into your socks and wear long sleeves when walking through wooded or grassy areas.
- Use insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin on exposed skin and clothing.
- Do a full-body tick check after spending time outdoors — pay special attention to the scalp, behind the ears, armpits, groin, and behind the knees.
- Check your pets too. Dogs and cats can bring ticks indoors, so brush them off and inspect their fur after outdoor adventures.
What to Do If You Find a Tick
If you find a tick attached to your skin, remove it carefully using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure — avoid twisting or jerking. After removal, clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Ontario has a tick submission program that allows residents to send in ticks for identification and testing. Ottawa Public Health also encourages residents to report tick bites, especially if symptoms like a bullseye-shaped rash, fever, fatigue, or joint pain develop in the days or weeks following a bite. Early treatment with antibiotics is highly effective.
Lyme Disease on the Rise
Canada has seen a steady increase in Lyme disease cases over the past decade, largely due to the expanding range of blacklegged ticks as winters become milder. Eastern Ontario, including the Ottawa area, is now considered an established risk zone for Lyme-carrying ticks — a shift from just a few years ago when the risk was considered emerging.
The good news: a little awareness goes a long way. Most tick bites don't result in Lyme disease, especially if the tick is removed promptly within 24 to 36 hours of attachment.
So go ahead and enjoy Ottawa's beautiful outdoor spaces this season — just do a quick check when you get home.
Source: CTV News via Google News Ottawa RSS feed
