Changes in climate have contributed to an increase in the spread of ticks in Ontario this year. The heat has attracted ticks, encouraging them migrate through high risk areas by hitching a ride on the backs of birds and other animals. Ticks can be found hiding on pets, wooded areas, in tall grass, and in bushes. Ticks are small insects that attach themselves to a host and feed on their blood. Like mosquitoes, ticks can spread disease through a simple bite.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that attacks the heart and central nervous system. If you are bitten by a deer tick, which is the most common species of tick that carries the infection, symptoms will reveal themselves within the first 2 weeks of contact.
Symptoms of Lyme disease often present as flu-like symptoms, vertigo, a bull’s eye rash, and muscle and joint pain. The moment you experience these symptoms, you should go straight to your doctor for testing. Like with all medical conditions, early detection is very important for a quick recovery. If caught early enough, antibiotics should reduce the symptoms before they turn into a serious illness.

Contraction

Contracting a tick is simple. If you are out in a place prone to ticks, you will most likely find a tick somewhere on your body. Walking through tall grass, housing pets, and walking through bushes are all opportunities for a tick to jump on your body and attach itself. In most cases, a tick may bite and then detach itself before burrowing into your skin. If you do notice a tick burrowing, it is crucial that you follow the necessary steps to safely remove it and treat the area.

Inspection

If you have been in an area at risk for tick populations, you may want to inspect your entire body immediately to make sure there are no ticks burrowing into your skin. Should you find one, grab a pair of tweezers, and remove it. Use the tweezers to grab the tick as close to its mouth as possible and detach it from your skin. You want to make sure you do not squeeze the tick, as this may increase the likelihood of squeezing Lyme disease and other infections into your skin.

Tick Bite Prevention & Removal in Toronto

Preventing the contraction of Lyme disease takes diligence. When going out, wear light coloured clothing with long sleeves to make spotting a tick much easier. Place the bottom of your pants in your socks. Purchase a bug repellent with DEET in it and make sure all of your pets have a tick collar. For further protection, we recommend leaving your pets at home if you are planning to walk through an area known for ticks. Ticks can be difficult to spot on an animal, especially if it is covered in fur, which may increase the likelihood of infection.
For safe and effective tick prevention & pest removal in Toronto, contact ICE Pest Control & Wildlife Removal. ICE is one of the top pest control companies Toronto has to offer. We provide pest control in Markham and pest removal in Toronto, as well as fogging treatment in the Greater Toronto Area to prevent and remove ticks. Our fogging procedure is eco-friendly and safe for children and pets after it is completed.
At ICE Pest Control & Wildlife Removal, we have a passion for pest control and wildlife removal. We pride ourselves on being an industry leader in Toronto pest control. To protect yourself and your family, call ICE today! We provide services throughout Greater Toronto, including Mississauga, Oakville, Brampton, Markham, and North York.