(The Canadian Press)

By rdnewsNOW staff

tick talk

Canadians heading outdoors this summer are urged to look out for ticks

Jun 22, 2020 | 2:07 PM

HALIFAX – Hikers in the forest and other outdoor activities are advised to be careful and watch out for ticks across the country.

The tick season extends from spring to late fall, warns the Nature Conservancy of Canada. These insects can transmit various infections, including Lyme disease.

Nature Conservancy of Canada Regional Vice President Atlantic, John Foley, says ticks are becoming more common in all of the Maritime provinces, as in most other provinces except from Saskatchewan.

According to Mr. Foley, the warming climate has led several species of ticks to migrate from the United States to Canada and to adapt to more northern temperatures.

“In general, the number of ticks is increasing,” observes Mr. Foley. Not so long ago, deer ticks were only found in Nova Scotia among the Atlantic provinces and now they are everywhere, including Newfoundland. ”

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Ticks belong to arachnids, the same family of insects as scorpions and spiders. They hide in the shade, in wooded areas and tall grass.

Experts suggest checking your skin carefully after going out in a wooded area to spot ticks. These insects can enter under the skin and feed on its host for five to six days.

Katelyn Ceh, the NCC’s director of conservation in Alberta, says people shouldn’t be afraid of going outdoors and that they should take steps to minimize the risk of exposure from tick bites.

“Wear bug repellant containing DEET, long sleeves, light-coloured clothing, tuck everything in (including your pants into your socks),” she recommends, “stay in the middle of trails, take a bath or shower after a hike and always check your clothes and body for ticks after a hike because they can be as small as a poppy seed.”

Hikers are also recommended to sit on stones rather than on grass in a bid to avoid ticks.

(With file from Keith Doucette – The Canadian Press, and the Nature Conservancy of Canada)