Tick Bites and Lyme Disease

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Lyme disease is an ever growing concern in many parts of Canada and the United States. By taking the right precautions and spreading the word, you can effectively protect your family from Lyme. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid tick-infested areas whenever possible.  Although ticks favour moist, shaded environments; especially leafy wooded areas and overgrown grassy habitats, they can be found just about anywhere like your backyard, the golf course, and the beach.

Tips for Avoiding Tick Bites:

1. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Tuck your pants into your socks to prevent ticks from getting inside your pants.

2. Check your clothes for ticks often. Ticks will climb upwards until they find an area of exposed skin.

3. Wear light colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks.

4. Walk on pathways or trails when possible staying in the middle. Avoid low-lying brush or long grass.

5. Apply insect repellent to your skin and clothing, especially at the openings such as ankle, wrist and neck.

6. Do a “tick check” on yourself, your family members and your pets.

Check out these two shows: Ticked off or Under our Skin for further information on Lyme disease.