Although Eastern Canada and Manitoba have higher reported cases of Lyme Disease, all Canadian provinces are at risk of tick-borne diseases. Since March starts tick season, as gardeners and other outdoor enthusiasts venture outside, we want to have the 'tick talk.'

Ticks are most active in the warmer months beginning in March as temperatures reach above 32 degrees. Ticks hide in grassy and woody areas underneath leaves; logs and in bushes. Not all ticks carry Lyme Disease; but there is a risk of transmission after 24-48 hours. 

Gardeners are at risk of tick diseases since they are spending a lot of time outside; but so are pets that may play in the yard while the homeowner tends to the garden. Dogs and cats can both get Lyme Disease and suffer the painful effects of Lyme like their human counterparts. Dogs will feel unsteady; may experience excessive drooling; and have weak muscles. Cats do not suffer the effects of Lyme Disease as badly: they may feel weak for a few days; and then return to their regular routine. 

Tick Prevention Tools

If bitten by a tick, do not burn the skin or apply nail polish remover to the infected area. Instead, use tick tweezers or another tick remover tool to remove the tick. These tools work on humans and pets.

Steps to remove ticks

Out of fear and panic, t's only natural to want to tear out the tick; but it's best to use a tick tool and:

1. Disinfect the infected area;

2. Pull the tick straight up. Do not twist or bend the tick;

3. Disinfect the area once more;

4. Take the tick to a doctor or vet for identification;

5. Request a Lyme Disease test for you or your pet

Have more tips? Follow the conversation on @DeerbustersCAN twitter using hashtag #TickTalk.