Tick Season: How to Prevent Bites & Safely Remove Ticks | Canada
A six-year-old child in Merritt, British Columbia, recently experienced tick paralysis, highlighting the increasing concern over tick activity in the region as warmer weather arrives. Although the incident was resolved without medication, experts warn that preventative measures are crucial as peak tick season begins.
Dr. Rob Higgins, co-chair of Thompson Rivers University’s department of biological sciences, explained that ticks are actively “questing” – climbing to the tops of plants and extending their legs to latch onto passing animals and people. “They’ll be climbing up on the short vegetation, on the grasses, sort of waiting for you as you walk by,” Higgins said. “And they’re going to snag onto you sort of knee high or calf level as they pick up on your activity in the area.”
Kamloops is identified as a hot spot for the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick, according to Dr. Higgins. He recommends a simple tactic for those venturing into grassy areas: walk in a circle rather than a straight line. This reduces the likelihood of ticks attaching to individuals or their pets.
Though the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick doesn’t transmit Lyme disease – a condition primarily spread by deer ticks or black-legged ticks – it can cause tick paralysis. This condition, which can develop within approximately five days of a tick bite, is potentially serious. “It can be extremely serious as the paralysis will move upwards and eventually get to the respiratory muscles, and cause severe problems breathing,” Higgins cautioned, adding that encounters with the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick are most frequent until June.
Preventative measures include wearing light-coloured clothing and long sleeves, and tucking pant legs into socks. Veterinarian Dr. Rebeccah Stewart, of Kamloops Veterinary Clinic, emphasized the ease with which ticks attach to animals. “Most of our animals are furred, so it’s pretty easy for them to latch on,” she said, recommending thorough checks of pets after hikes.
Tick removal can be accomplished with commercially available tools, or manually. Higgins advocates for grasping the tick close to the skin and pulling it out steadily. “Don’t twist, don’t yank, don’t pull it backwards and then inspect the tick and take a look at it,” he advised. He also suggested photographing the tick or using identification apps if there is uncertainty about complete removal.
Various preventative medications and collars are available for pets to protect against tick-related illnesses. While no preventative medication currently exists for humans, DEET-based insect repellents can be effective. Stewart noted that pet-safe repellent sprays are available, but cautioned against products that could cause skin irritation.
Despite diligent preventative efforts, tick bites can occur. However, Higgins noted that tick paralysis doesn’t necessarily require medical intervention. “What’s really quite remarkable given the potential severity of tick paralysis and other diseases, is that it doesn’t require antibiotics or medications,” he said. “You just need to remove the tick and the symptoms will be gone in about an hour.”