Ticks and Lyme Disease

Ticks may be small, but knowing how to protect yourself from them is important. Some ticks can carry illnesses like Lyme disease, so it helps to understand where they’re found, how to avoid them, and what to do if you’re bitten. Let’s go through these steps together to help keep you safe.

What do ticks look like and where do they hide?

Before you can avoid ticks, you need to know what they look like and where they live.

• What do ticks look like?
  Ticks are tiny, spider-like creatures. Some adult ticks are about the size of a sesame seed! Blacklegged ticks (also called deer ticks) are the ones that can carry Lyme disease, and they’re reddish-brown with dark legs. 

• Where do ticks hide?
  Ticks like to hang out in tall grass, bushes, and wooded areas. You might find them in parks, gardens, hiking trails or even your backyard if animals like deer or mice visit. 

• When are ticks active?
  Ticks are most active from spring to fall, but they can be out any time it’s warm enough, usually any time it is above freezing.

How can you avoid tick bites?

Staying safe from ticks is easy if you take a few simple steps before going outdoors. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

• Cover up: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toed shoes if you’re heading into wooded or grassy areas.

• Tuck in your clothes: Tuck your pants into your socks to stop ticks from crawling up your legs.

• Choose light-colored clothes: This makes it easier to spot ticks.

• Use bug spray with DEET: Follow the instructions on the label.

• Check for ticks: After you’ve been outdoors, check your body for ticks, especially around your neck, underarms, and groin. They like those spots best.

After a day outside, you can take a shower and towel off to potentially remove any ticks that might not be attached yet.

What to do if you’re bitten by a tick

If you’ve found a tick latched on you, don’t panic—acting quickly can help reduce the risk of getting sick. Here’s what to do:

1. Remove the tick safely: Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull it out straight and gently.

2. Don’t squeeze it: Avoid squeezing or crushing the tick, as this can push germs into your body.

3. Clean the bite area: Wash the area with soap and water or use rubbing alcohol.

4. Avoid home remedies: Don’t try to burn the tick off or use petroleum jelly or nail polish—just remove it with tweezers or a tick key.

5. Keep the tick: Store the tick in a small container (like a screw-top jar or plastic bag) in case you need to get it identified.

How to identify the tick that bit you

Public health staff can help identify ticks during office hours (list hours), but we aren’t able to test for Lyme disease. If you can’t get to our offices, don’t worry! You can use eTick, an online tick identification service. Here’s how:

• Take a clear photo of the tick

• Upload the photo to the eTick website

• eTick will identify the tick within 48 hours and send you helpful public health advice

• You can also check the eTick map to see ticks identified in your area

Watch for symptoms after a tick bite

If you’ve been bitten by a blacklegged tick (also called a deer tick), it’s important to keep a close eye on how you’re feeling. These ticks can carry Lyme disease, and catching symptoms early is key to preventing more serious illness. Here’s what to do:

• Look out for symptoms: Watch for signs like fever, chills, headaches, or a bull’s-eye rash. Not everyone gets a rash, so it’s important to pay attention to any unusual symptoms, even if they seem mild.

• Talk to your health care provider: If you notice anything unusual or if you’re concerned about the bite, reach out to your doctor. If you’ve been bitten by a blacklegged tick, you may need to seek care quickly. In Ontario, primary care providers and pharmacists can prescribe antibiotics (prophylaxis) even if you’re not showing symptoms yet.

Taking action early can help prevent Lyme disease, so don’t hesitate to contact a health care provider if you have any concerns.

What should I do next?

• Keep checking yourself for symptoms, especially if the tick was a blacklegged tick. Contact your health care provider if you notice any changes.

• Use the eTick service or bring the tick to our offices for identification.

• Reach out to your doctor if you’re concerned about the bite or your health.

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring a tick to the public health unit for testing?

• Public health staff can identify ticks, but they don’t test them for Lyme disease

• Your doctor will determine your risk based on how long the tick was attached and where you most likely acquired the tick  

Should I see a doctor after a tick bite?

• If you develop symptoms like fever, headache, or a bull’s-eye rash, or if the tick was a blacklegged tick, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor.

Additional resources

• Download the Lyme Disease Information for Health Care Providers to stay informed about best practices for Lyme disease treatment.

• Access the Lyme Disease Notification Form to report cases (DOCX) and stay up-to-date on public health recommendations.

• Learn about Tick Bite Management (PDF) for tips on preventing bites and managing tick-related risks.

• See the Blacklegged Tick Risk Areas in Ontario (PDF) to understand where you’re most likely to encounter ticks.