MEDIA RELEASE:
Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit
September 14, 2022 

The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit would like to remind everyone that ticks are still active well into the fall.  Hunters are at a higher risk of exposure to ticks that can cause Lyme disease while out in the forest and in contact with leaf litter where ticks are located.

Enjoy the benefits of being outdoors; but remember to be tick smart. While not all Black legged ticks in our area carry bacteria that cause Lyme disease, a significant number do, and you cannot tell if a tick is positive by looking at it. Taking the following precautions will help to reduce your risk:

• Use an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin. You can apply this to clothing or your skin.
• Do a tick check when you return inside. If possible have someone check you from behind. Check pets for ticks as well.
• Put your outdoor clothes in a hot dryer for several minutes to kill ticks.
• Take a shower to help remove any unattached ticks.
• Speak to your vet about ways to protect your pets.

Lyme disease transmission depends on the length of time the infected tick is attached. Ticks that are removed quickly and have been attached for less than 24 hours are not likely to transfer the bacteria. However, if the tick has been attached for longer than 24 hours you may be at an increased risk and it is recommended that you consult your health care provider.

Check any ticks you remove from your body to determine if they are fat or flat. A fat tick is an indication that it has been feeding for a longer period of time. Tick specimens are not used for diagnosis of disease so they are no longer accepted at the Health Unit. Individuals can submit a photo to the website, eTick

 for tick identification.

Lyme disease symptoms can range from a bull’s eye rash around the bite area, to headache, fever and muscle/joint pain. Symptoms can appear from 3 days to several weeks following a tick bite. Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.

For more information about ticks and Lyme disease: visit our Insect Bites and Diseases section of our website or call 1-800-660-5853. You can also e-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or connect with @LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and Twitter or @lglhealthunit.z on Instagram.

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