Ticks are very small arachnids that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Adult ticks are roughly the size of an apple seed and nymphs are about the size of a poppy seed. Ticks become swollen from feeding on the blood of their host.
Where Can I Expect to Find Ticks?
Ticks can be found anywhere outdoors as they can be carried by animals. Ticks prefer the following environments:
- Blacklegged ticks (this is the only tick species that can carries Lyme disease) prefer shaded, humid environments like mixed hardwood forests and trail edges.
- American dog ticks prefer meadows and long grass.
What Should I do if I Find a Tick on Me, a Loved One, or a Pet?
Ticks should be removed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection. Ticks should be removed carefully with a tweezers or tick removal tool to prevent the tick from releasing its stomach contents, which can increase the chance of infection.
Resources for Removing Ticks
- Health Canada's: How to remove a tick (online instructions)
- Healthy Canadians (video): How to Properly Remove a Tick
Submit the Tick for Identification
- Take a clear photo of the tick and send it to Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph (WDG) Public Health Unit using its Online Tick Photo Submission Form
- *Ticks cannot be brought into WDG Public Health for testing
Preventing Tick Bites
Fashion for Tick Prevention
- Light-coloured clothes make it easier to see ticks that have hitched a ride
- Wear closed footwear and tuck your pants into your socks
- Cover exposed skin
- When you get home, put your clothes in the dryer on high heat for at least 10 mintues before washing them
Repellent
Use a repellent that contains:
- DEET or
- Icaridin
Tick Checks
Get everyone to do a full-body check. Remember to check your pets.
Resources and Further Information
- Tick Card (Tick Identification, Tick Prevention, and Tick Removal)
- Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health: Ticks (removal, identification, prevention guidance, and reducing ticks around your property)
- Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health: Don't Let Tick Myths Put You at Risk
- Government of Canada: Ticks in Canada
- eTick

