The province reminds residents to take precautions against ticks this spring.
Ticks are most common in tall grass, shrubs or wooded areas.
The most common tick species in Saskatchewan is the American ticks, which are active from mid-April to late July. He cannot transmit Lyme disease to humans.
Black-legged ticks, which can cause Lyme disease, are rare in Saskatchewan. However, they can be introduced by migratory birds in early spring and remain active until early autumn.
“People need to be vigilant and check for ticks on themselves, their children and their pets after they’ve been out,” Saskatchewan said in a statement. “Taking precautions against ticks is the best way to reduce the risk of tick bites.”
To prevent tick bites:
- Wear light clothing so that ticks are easily seen.
- Wear pants, long-sleeved shirts and shoes that do not reveal your bare feet.
- Pull the socks over the legs of your pants to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
- Use insect repellents that contain DEET or Icaridin. Apply repellent on clothes as well as on your skin. Always read and follow the instructions on the label. Some repellents may have age restrictions.
- In Canada, clothing that has been treated with the insecticide permethrin is approved for use by people over the age of 16.
- Take a shower or bath as soon as possible after you are out to wash away loose ticks and check for attached ticks.
If you find a tick attached to your skin or on your pet:
- Carefully remove it with tweezers with fine tips and hold the tick’s mouth as close to the skin as possible.
- Pull slowly up and out with strong, stable pressure.
- Be careful not to squeeze, crush or pierce the body after removal.
- Do not place Vaseline, petrol or other harmful substances on an attached tick.
In 2021, 969 ticks were identified in the province, including 15 black-footed boobies.
The province said nine of them had been sent for testing, and none had tested positive for the bacterium that causes Lyme disease.
People can send pictures of ticks using the eTick system, store ticks in a secure container until you receive the results of the identification. Ticks can be euthanized by placing them in a bag and storing them in the freezer for 24 hours.
“Saskatchewan can send photos of ticks found in humans or animals using the online eTick system at www.etick.ca to obtain timely identification of the type of tick that is attached to a person, pet or animal, as well as information on the risk of exposure to tick-borne diseases, “the statement said.
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