Let’s Talk About Ticks: What You Need to Know This Season
As the weather warms up in Ottawa, more people are heading outdoors to enjoy hiking, gardening, and backyard playtime. But with the beauty of spring and summer comes a tiny but serious concern: ticks.
Ticks are small, spider-like creatures that feed on the blood of animals and humans. Some ticks in Ontario, particularly the black-legged tick (also known as the deer tick), can carry Lyme disease. This bacterial infection can have serious long-term health consequences if left untreated. With tick populations increasing in the Ottawa region, it’s important to be informed and prepared.
Where Are Ticks Found?
Ticks live in:
- Grassy areas
- Forests and wooded trails
- Leaf piles and shrubs
Tall brush and overgrown areas—even in city parks and suburban backyards
Once on your skin, ticks crawl to warm, moist areas like the scalp, armpits, groin, or behind the knees to feed.
How to Prevent Tick Bites
- Dress Defensively
- Wear light-coloured clothing (ticks are easier to spot)
- Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants
- Wear long sleeves and pants when in wooded or grassy areas
- Use Insect Repellent
- Apply insect repellents containing DEET or icaridin on exposed skin and clothing. Health Canada approves these as safe when used as directed.
- Stay on Trails
- When hiking, stick to the center of trails and avoid brushing against vegetation.
- Do a Tick Check
- After outdoor activities, check yourself, children, and pets thoroughly:
- Scalp and hairline
- Behind ears
- Underarms and groin
- Behind knees
- Around the waist and in the belly button
- Shower Promptly
- Showering within 2 hours of being outdoors can help wash away ticks that haven’t latched on yet.
How to Remove a Tick Safely
If you find a tick attached to your skin, stay calm. Quick and proper removal is key:
- Use fine-tipped tweezers
- Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
- Pull upward slowly and steadily without twisting or crushing the tick
- Clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol
- Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet or placing it in a sealed bag. You may consider saving the tick in a container or bag (label with date and location of bite) in case symptoms develop later—this can help healthcare providers identify the species and potential risk.
Can I Get Preventive Antibiotics After a Tick Bite?
Yes—in some cases, a single dose of preventive antibiotics (usually doxycycline) can reduce the risk of developing Lyme disease after a tick bite. But some criteria must be met:
- The tick is confirmed or highly likely to be a black-legged tick (deer tick)
- It has been attached for 24+ hours
- The antibiotic can be given within 72 hours of removing the tick
- You are not allergic to the medication and are medically eligible
How to Get Preventive Antibiotics in Ottawa
You cannot get preventive antibiotics directly from a pharmacy in Ontario without a prescription. If you meet the above criteria, you will need to:
- Book an appointment with your family doctor, a walk-in clinic, or a virtual care provider
- Bring the tick (if possible) or a photo to help with identification
- Describe where and when you were bitten, how long the tick was attached, and when it was removed
Many walk-in and virtual clinics in Ottawa can provide same-day care and prescriptions. Quick action is key—the 72-hour window matters.
What to Watch For After a Tick Bite
Even if you don’t qualify for preventive antibiotics, monitor for early signs of Lyme disease in the days and weeks after the bite:
- A bull’s-eye rash (but not everyone gets this)
- Fever, chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Joint or muscle aches
Contact a healthcare provider if you develop any of these symptoms, even if they seem mild.
Tick Reporting & Identification in Ottawa
Use eTick.ca to submit a photo of the tick for free identification and receive guidance within a day or two. You can also report bites and encounters to Ottawa Public Health.
Stay Informed, Stay Active
Don’t let the fear of ticks keep you from enjoying nature. By staying alert and prepared, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. At CURAVITA, we’re here to support your health through every season. If you have questions about tick bites, outdoor activity safety, or your overall wellness, reach out to our team anytime.
