Modern Mississauga and the City of Mississauga have come together to present an ongoing series called “Ask the City.” We’ll share relevant information here and answer your questions about our city.

Today’s question is about ticks.

What do I do if I’m bitten by a tick?

It’s important to be aware and check yourself and your pets regularly for ticks. Ticks are most active in the spring and summer, but can be found any time of the year when the temperature is above freezing.

There are varieties of ticks in Ontario, but the blacklegged tick is a concern as they can carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Public Health Ontario has a map where ticks are estimated to be, although blacklegged ticks are spreading to new areas of Ontario due to climate change.

How to avoid getting bit by a tick

You might be at higher risk of getting bit by a tick if you live, work in or visit a wooded area, including areas with tall grasses and bushes. Here are steps you can take to prevent ticks:

• Recommended to wear:

  • Light-coloured clothing (easier to see ticks)

  • Closed-toed shoes

  • Long-sleeves shirts

  • Long pants, tucked into your socks

  • Special clothing designed to repel ticks

• Use insect repellent

• Put clothing in the dryer after you’ve been in areas where ticks are expected to be

• After being outdoors, check yourself, your children and pets for ticks:

  • Behind your knees

  • On your head

  • In your belly button

  • In your groin area

  • In your underarm area

  • On the back of your body

• Maintain your property:

  • Keep grass short

  • Trim bushes and tree branches to let in sunlight

  • Create a border of gravel or woodchips (1m or wider) around your yard if you are next to a wooded area or tall grasses

  • Remove leaf litter

  • Move children’s swing sets, playground equipment, etc. away from wooded areas

How to remove a tick

Use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. Pull the tick straight out, gently but firmly. It is important that you do not crush or damage the tick, as this can cause the Lyme bacteria to pass into your bloodstream from the tick.

Once removed, wash your skin with soap and water and then disinfect your skin and hands using rubbing alcohol or an iodine swab. Currently, Peel Public Health is not accepting tick submission for identification. The public can visit etick.ca, a free tick identification service.

If you’ve got a question about the City, we want to hear from you! 

Please send your questions to info@modernmississauga.com with “Ask the City” in the subject line.