Avoid tick habitats to prevent lime disease

(NC) - Regardless of outdoor plans, be sure to avoid contact with tick habitats, often the cause of Lyme disease.

Lyme disease is a serious illness caused by the bite of an infected blacklegged tick. They’re usually found in forests and overgrown areas between the woods and open spaces. As tick populations are spreading in Canada, it’s possible to be bitten outside of these locations.

Ticks can’t jump or fly. They like to sit on vegetation like tall grasses or shrubs and climb on to passing humans or pets that may rub against them.

The best way to protect against Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. When planning on trekking through the forest, remember to:

- Avoid short cuts through thick brush and grass.

- Walk in the middle of maintained trails to limit exposure.

Also, don’t forget to:

- Use insect repellent containing DEET (active ingredient to keep bugs away) or Icaridin (always follow directions).

- Wear closed-toe shoes, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Pull socks over pant legs.

- Wear light-coloured clothes to spot ticks more easily.

- Shower or bathe within two hours of being outdoors to wash away loose ticks.

- Do a daily “full-body” check for ticks on humans and  pets.

More information on Lyme disease and protections strategies are available at Canada.ca/LymeDisease.

Facts

Blacklegged ticks are most abundant in the following locations:

- southern British Columbia;

- southeastern and south-central Manitoba;

- southern, eastern and northwestern Ontario;

- southern Quebec;

- southern New Brunswick and Grand Manan Island; and

- parts of Nova Scotia.