Public health updates tick precautions
By Advertiser staff
GUELPH – Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health (WDGPH) is updating its guidelines as tick populations grow and more people unexpectedly encounter the blood-sucking parasites.
“People are often most vigilant about ticks around long grass and during summer, but that is no longer the full picture,” said health protection operations director Phil Wong.
Year-round tick checks
Blacklegged (deer) ticks, which can carry Lyme disease, can be active whenever temperatures are above zero degrees Celsius.
WDGPH is encouraging full-body tick checks whenever outdoors.
Blacklegged ticks prefer shaded, humid spots like wooded areas, leaf litter and trail edges.
American dog ticks, known for spreading Rocky Mountain spotted fever, are usually found in grassy areas and meadows.
Report ticks online
Residents can submit a photo and receive identification and public health guidance by visiting wdgpublichealth.ca/tickphotos.
