Lyme Disease is an infectious bacteria spread by insects and small animals, most notably ticks, but which tick species should you be most concerned with? It’s best to avoid any ticks at all if possible. Black Legged ticks (also known as deer ticks or bear ticks) do indeed carry Lyme Disease, as well as the diseases babesiosis and anaplasmosis. The Western Blaklegged is a species commonly known for spreading Lyme Disease in North America. It usually takes 36 to 48 hours for the disease to actually spread to a human being, but to be on the safe side, if you spot a tick on your arms or legs, remove it with tweezers.
If you spot any red marks or spots that resemble bites or scratches, consult a healthcare professional. Black legged ticks will also spread Lyme Disease to your pets, so routinely check your animals for bugs, bathe them on a regular basis and avoid walking them in wooded areas or places with long grass. During Tick Season, always keep your pets on a short leash, and avoid letting them loose to explore in wooded areas or riverbanks.
You can spot a Black Legged by its long black legs and brown (sometimes amber or orange) rear end. Female ticks are larger than the males and almost completely black in color, but both genders of tick carry the same risk of infection, so, keep a close eye out for both. Use tick sprays and insect repellents when possible, and opt to wear long pants and sleeves instead of t-shirts and skirts to keep your arms and legs protected from these little invaders. Always take a shower after hiking or going outdoors, and if your children play outside, check them for ticks, as well. Always watch for reports or postings about Tick Season in your area. Black Legged ticks are most commonly seen in Pacific Canada and the Northwest United States where the humidity is higher, but they’re also known to move along to Ontario’s humid areas and wooded places. Ticks thrive in damp, muggy spots and forests, but their prime choice of real-estate is long, tall grasses in woods and near water or swamps.
Avoid these locations when possible, and if you do plan to go into the woods, wear thick boots or shoes that cover your ankles, as well as pants. Keep an eye out for these little black bugs, especially in the late Spring to Summer months, and if you spot a tick, don’t pick it up, grab it, squish it or touch it. It’s best to not disturb them to keep the potential of Lyme Disease from reaching you. If your pet carries ticks with it into your home, call a licensed exterminator to get rid of them so they don’t spread. A pest control company can help you keep yourself and your loved ones safe from ticks and other unwanted bugs in your household or yard. Make sure to hire an exterminator with a good reputation to get the job done properly and efficiently, call us at 647-496-2211 to get the job done quickly and effectively.
