Health experts are urging Canadians to take specific precautions to prevent tick bites as tick season ramps up across the country.

These measures are critical because ticks can transmit serious illnesses, including Lyme disease, and ehrlichiosis. The risk is particularly high in wooded or grassy areas in provinces such as British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

Dr. Steve Schofield, a tick expert, said several layers of protection are recommended for those spending time outdoors. He said wearing long clothing to minimize exposed skin and using repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is suggested [1].

Beyond personal attire, experts said managing yard vegetation makes home environments less attractive to ticks [1]. Regular body checks after outdoor activities are also essential to identify and remove ticks before they can transmit pathogens [1], [2].

While ticks are most active during the spring and summer months [1], some reports indicate that these parasites can remain active year-round [3]. This variability means that vigilance should not be limited to the warmest parts of the year.

The urgency for these precautions follows a concerning trend in medical data. Emergency room visits for tick bites have reached their highest levels since 2017 [4]. This increase highlights the growing intersection between public outdoor activity and the spread of tick-borne bacteria.

“Emergency room visits for tick bites are at their highest since 2017”

The rise in emergency room visits suggests that tick populations are expanding or that human encroachment into tick-heavy habitats is increasing. Because ticks can be active across different seasons, the traditional 'summer-only' mindset of caution is becoming obsolete, requiring a year-round shift in public health awareness and preventative behavior.