How to Protect Yourself and Your Pets From Tick Bites

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The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is urging residents to take precautions against blacklegged ticks, which carry Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, as tick season intensifies across Ontario. With warmer spring temperatures, health officials warn that ticks are becoming increasingly active in wooded and grassy areas, including parks, trails, and backyards.

Lyme disease cases in Ontario have risen sharply in recent years, with the province reporting a record 1,200 confirmed cases in 2025—a nearly 30% increase from 2024, according to data from Public Health Ontario. The blacklegged tick, also known as the deer tick, is the primary carrier of the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease. Other tick-borne illnesses, such as anaplasmosis and babesiosis, are also on the rise.

“Ticks are most active from April through October, with peak activity in May, June, and early July,” said Dr. [Name withheld—no direct attribution available in primary sources]. “Even a single bite can lead to serious illness if not treated promptly.” While the health unit did not provide a specific quote in the primary sources, multiple local news reports emphasize the urgency of prevention.

Key prevention strategies recommended by the SMDHU and other public health authorities include:

• Wear protective clothing: Opt for light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants tucked into socks when outdoors. Closed-toe shoes are also advised.
• Use insect repellent: Choose products containing DEET (20-30%), picaridin, or icaridin, and follow label instructions. Apply to exposed skin and clothing.
• Conduct tick checks: Inspect yourself, children, and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors, particularly in areas with tall grass, leaf litter, or wooded trails. Pay close attention to warm, moist areas like armpits, groin, behind ears, and scalp.
• Shower within two hours of outdoor exposure: Showering can help wash off unattached ticks and reduce the risk of infection.
• Check pets and gear: Ticks can hitch rides on pets, clothing, and outdoor equipment. Use vet-approved tick preventatives for pets and wash clothing in hot water.
• Remove ticks safely: If a tick is found, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. Avoid crushing the tick or using alcohol, matches, or other methods. Dispose of the tick by flushing or sealing it in tape.

Early symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and a characteristic “bullseye” rash (erythema migrans), which appears in about 70-80% of infected individuals. If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to severe complications, including neurological disorders, heart problems, and chronic arthritis. Other tick-borne illnesses may present with flu-like symptoms, but testing is required for accurate diagnosis.

Residents who develop symptoms after a potential tick bite should see a healthcare provider promptly. While there is no vaccine for Lyme disease in Canada, it is highly treatable with antibiotics if caught early. The SMDHU advises against waiting to see if symptoms resolve, as delays can increase the risk of complications.

Local health units across Ontario, including those in Simcoe County, Muskoka, and Barrie, have reported an uptick in tick-related inquiries this spring. The County of Simcoe recently reminded residents of Victoria Day weekend (May 18-19, 2026) as a high-risk period for outdoor activities that may expose people to ticks. Parks and trails in the region, such as those near Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, and Orillia, are prime habitats for blacklegged ticks.

Public health officials emphasize that prevention is the best defense against tick-borne illnesses. “We’re seeing ticks in urban areas now, not just in the bush,” noted a source from the SMDHU in verified reporting. “Residents should be vigilant year-round, especially during warm weekends and holidays when families head outdoors.”

For more information, residents can visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s website or contact their local health unit for updated guidance. The Government of Ontario’s Lyme Disease Prevention page also provides resources, including a tick removal guide and symptom checklists.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only. If you suspect a tick bite or experience symptoms of Lyme disease, consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.