Summer Is a Tick Season: How Can You Keep Humans and Pets Safe from Them? Experts Weigh In.

As warmer weather arrives in Ontario, a surge of ticks is expected to cross the border from the United States.

“There is a wave of ticks crossing the border and invading Canada,” said Nicoletta Faraone, an associate professor at Acadia University in Nova Scotia and the director of the new Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Center (CTRIC), in an interview with a Toronto media outlet last week.

Faraone explains that ticks are seeking a more “suitable climate” for reproduction, and Canada provides ideal conditions for their growth.

Understanding Lyme Disease and Its Symptoms in Humans:

In the early stages of Lyme disease infection, individuals may experience flu-like symptoms, including joint pain and an erythema migrans rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to serious complications affecting the heart, nervous system, and joints, including arthritis.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), cases of Lyme disease, which is most commonly transmitted through the bite of an infected blacklegged tick (or deer tick), have been rising across the country since 2009, with climate change identified as a significant factor.

The Spread of Lyme Disease:

Nationally: 

–       In 2024, there were 5,239 diagnosed cases of Lyme disease reported to PHAC, marking the highest number ever recorded in a single year.

–       The number of annual cases doubled between 2022 and 2024.

–       The total annual Lyme disease cases in 2024 were the highest on record.

–       Cases were evenly distributed across the four southern health regions, with Nova Scotia reporting the highest incidence.

–       In Quebec, cases have sharply risen over the past 15 years, with approximately 86% contracted locally.

In Ontario:

–       Historically, many regions of the province were considered “too cool” for certain pest species; however, recent climate changes have made Ontario more suitable for their growth, according to the second edition of Ontario Public Health’s tick report.

–       In 2025, there were 3,002 reported Lyme disease cases in the province, which was significantly above the 5-year average.

Other Tick Species:

The ‘Lyme disease tick’ is not the only one making an appearance. The lone star tick, which originates from the southern US, is also being detected in Ontario, particularly near the border.

“The climate in the southern U.S. is becoming drier and less suitable for tick families, prompting them to migrate north,” Faraone said. She noted that while the lone star tick cannot transmit Lyme disease, a bite can trigger alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a serious, potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat. Nonetheless, a 2024 report by Public Health Ontario indicates that lone star ticks are not established in the province, and the risk of contracting AGS remains low.

How to Protect Yourself from Ticks:

–       Health experts recommend wearing tick repellent outdoors, specifically a spray containing DEET or Icaridin.

–       For pet owners, it’s advisable to consult with a veterinarian about prevention options.

–       When venturing into heavily wooded areas, wearing appropriate clothing is crucial. This includes long-sleeved shirts and pants that can be tucked into socks. Light-colored clothing can also make it easier to spot ticks.

–       After returning from outdoor activities, perform a thorough tick check, remove your clothing, and place it in the dryer on high to kill any ticks that may be present.

What should you do if you get bitten by a tick?

Ontario’s Ministry of Health advises against crushing a tick against your skin, as this could cause Lyme disease bacteria to enter your bloodstream.

Instead, follow these steps: 

–            Remove the tick carefully: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull it out steadily without twisting or squeezing the body to avoid forcing infected fluids into your skin.

–            Clean the bite area and your hands: Wash them thoroughly with soap and water, rubbing alcohol, or an antiseptic.

–            Dispose of the tick safely: Place it in a sealed container, wrap it in tape, flush it down the toilet, or submerge it in alcohol. Avoid crushing it with your fingers.

–            Check your body for additional ticks: Do this after spending time in grassy, brushy, or wooded areas.

Before disposing of the tick, consider calling or checking the website of your local public health unit for advice on how to identify the tick. You can also submit a photo of the tick to etick.ca for identification.

Monitoring and Risk Assessment.

Watch for early symptoms of Lyme disease, which typically appear within 3 to 30 days after a bite. Common signs include:

–            A bull’s-eye rash (erythema migrans)

–            Fever

–            Fatigue

–            Headache

–            Muscle or joint aches

The risk of infection is generally low if the tick is removed promptly. Lyme disease is usually transmitted only after a deer tick has been attached for more than 36 hours, with the risk increasing significantly after 72 hours.

When to Seek Medical Care.

–            Consult a healthcare provider if you notice a rash, experience flu-like symptoms, or are unsure how long the tick was attached.

–            If possible, bring the tick or a photo to your appointment, as this can help with identification and risk assessment.

–            Consider discussing prophylactic antibiotics with your healthcare provider in certain cases. A single dose of doxycycline may be recommended if you live in an area where Lyme disease is common and the tick was attached for a sufficient duration, but this decision should always be made with a healthcare provider.

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