There are over 850 tick species in the world with 40 types of ticks crawling around Canada compared to 90 tick types discovered in the United States. May is considered to be Lyme Disease Awareness Month as we begin to see ticks and hear more about tick diseases that are spread by tick bites. Lyme Disease is the most recognizable tick disease that affects wildlife; people and pets leading to a lifetime of debilitating problems among people including weak muscles and aching joints, fatigue, fever, chills and nausea. But, how does Lyme Disease happen and which animals are carrying the disease?

Ticks are mainly found in wooded and grassy areas during the warm months of the year where people go to enjoy hikes; gardening activities; camping and walks/jogs with pets. Ticks latch onto warm-blooded mammals for their food source where they may or may not spread tick diseases such as Lyme. The most common carrier of Lyme Disease across North America is the white-tailed deer - although deer are not the ones that started the spread (blame the white-footed mouse and birds). 

To protect family members and pets from tick illnesses, homeowners should consider installing deer fence around properties to reduce the sight of deer and the chance of cervid species dropping ticks in the yard. A deer fence will need to be at least 7.5' feet tall to keep them at bay. This is the best approach to minimize the risk of Lyme Disease throughout the year.

Ticks are a year-round problem that begin to cause trouble in the warm months of the year running from spring through fall.