Time for Tips and Tricks to Avoid Ticks

As the weather warms up and the grass starts to grow again, Saskatchewan residents are being reminded to take precautions to reduce their risk of exposure to ticks. Tick bites occur most often from early spring to fall. The risk is highest in areas with tall grass, brush, and wooded areas, and when in these environments for long periods, like camping, hiking, or hunting.

“Ticks are out. Everyone should be aware of ticks and prepared after being outdoors in the spring through to the fall in case they see one on themselves or their pets. Not all ticks carry disease,” said Dr. David Torr, a SHA Medical Health Officer, “but following a few precautions when heading into tall grass, brush, or wooded areas helps to reduce the risk of tick bites.”

Our furry friends are also tasty treats to ticks and can transport ticks into our home. People with pets who are active in tall grass, brush, and wooded areas should be especially aware to monitor for ticks. See safe tick removal tips below.

Preventative measures are important and simple; they include:

• Wear pants, long-sleeved shirts, and shoes that don’t show your bare feet.
• Tuck your pant legs into your socks to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
• Wear light-coloured clothes so ticks can be easily seen.
• Use insect repellents that contain DEET or Icaridin. Apply repellent to clothes as well as your skin (after sunscreen). Always read and follow the directions. Some repellents may have age restrictions. In Canada, clothing that has been treated with the insecticide permethrin has been approved for use by people over the age of 16.
• Stay on paths and avoid contact with tall grass and overgrown brush when hiking.
• Check yourself, children, and pets for ticks after being outside.
• Shower or bathe as soon as possible after being outside to wash off loose ticks.

Lyme Disease Risk

In Saskatchewan, the chance of people being exposed to Lyme disease from a tick bite is very low, but it is not zero. Lyme disease is transmitted by the blacklegged tick, however, most ticks in Saskatchewan are American dog ticks, or wood ticks, which do not transmit Lyme disease. Often, Lyme disease cases in Saskatchewan are related to travel to another province or country where blacklegged ticks are more common. Migrating birds are the suspected source of blacklegged ticks found in the province. No reproducing populations of blacklegged ticks have been detected in any areas of the province since active field surveys began in 2008. Between 2019 and 2024, there have been 12 cases of Lyme disease reported in the province. Case numbers include preliminary data for 2024 and are subject to change.

Safe Removal

Find instructions for safe tick removal and a video demonstration on the Government of Saskatchewan’s website.

If you are bitten by a tick, remove the tick (if possible) and clean the area with soap and water. Monitor for signs of Lyme disease by checking for a “bulls-eye” rash which often develops at the bite site. Other symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes. It is recommended that people consult a physician immediately if they develop symptoms suggestive of Lyme disease after a tick bite.  If untreated, Lyme disease may affect the joints, the heart, and nervous system.