Ontario’s tick population is on the rise, along with the risk of Lyme disease
With more people getting outside and returning to normal activities this summer, there is a renewed warning about ticks in the region.
The tick population is on the rise across Ontario. Experts say it’s due in part to disruptions in the food chain.
“Weirdly, the decrease in wolves in the northeast because of humans, is thought to be indirectly responsible for the increase in ticks,” explains CTV Science and Technology Specialist Dan Riskin. “Because they’re gone, there are more coyotes, and because there are more coyotes there are fewer foxes, and because there are fewer foxes there are more small mammals like mice, and those mice are a great place for ticks to breed.”
High populations of ticks can be found in areas like trails, forests, provincial parks, and conservation areas. A study from the University of Ottawa on ticks in the National Capital Region shows that on average, of all the ticks found across 23 different areas, 30% were carrying Lyme disease.
“We’ve had a few reported cases,” says Renfrew County’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Cushman. “Ottawa, our neighbouring city, has had a fair amount of reported cases.”
So what can you do to avoid being bitten by a tick this summer?
“When you finish your hike, you check yourself,” says Riskin. “And if you have young kids you check them too. And you look over the whole body, these are very small things. They can be like sesame seed small, they can be like poppy seed small.”
Dr. Cushman also says families should not forget about pets, who are lower to the ground and often times like to roll in the grass and shrubbery.
“If you discover a tick borrowed under your skin a day or two after you’ve been hiking, and you see that it’s engorged, much bigger sized, that’s when you need to get some advice,” says Dr. Cushman.
Although the population of ticks is lowest in urban parks according to the study by the University of Ottawa, experts say it’s no reason to let your guard down.
“It’s possible to get ticks in your backyard,” says Riskin. It’s possible to pick the up when you’re in Gatineau or if you make a trip out to Algonquin, they’re everywhere.”
But just because they are out there, doesn’t mean they should be another reason people stay inside this summer, says Riskin.
“I think everybody should be thinking about ticks, but it shouldn’t be stopping them from going outside.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.