Canada is quickly transforming into a tick zone. As the climate gradually changes in favour of the insects, more and more of them are pouring into Canada on the backs of migrating animals and domesticated ones as well. Since ticks carry many negative consequences with them, it is definitely time for Canadians to safeguard themselves and their animals against this intrusion. Humane wildlife control services in Rexdale are part of the solution to the tick problem.

Canada’s Tick Situation

Ticks are becoming a big problem in Canada and fast. This is the gist of the message being sent to citizens by experts like those at Canada’s National Microbiology Laboratory. The director of the organization’s Public health Risk Sciences division, Nick Ogden, has confirmed that Canada has been receiving ‘a steady rain of ticks’ that has been increasing. The culprit behind this sudden swarm? Climate change! Canada’s climate was previously too cold for ticks to thrive, but starting with Southern Canada, temperatures are climbing, making the environment more suitable for them.

The Ticks-Lyme Disease Connection

Ticks are parasitic in nature and multiply quickly if left untreated. They occupy the bodies of people and pets primarily for the purpose of feeding from the host. Among the negatives associated with ticks is the infamous Lyme disease. Cases of Lyme Disease have climbed from a low of 144 in 2009 to an all-time high of 2025 in 2017.  This bacterial infection may be transferred to an animal or person during what is known as the occupying phase, causing long term or short term illness. The infection appears with the following symptoms: a small rash (normally red), swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, chills, headaches, excessive fatigue along with muscle and joint pains. The wider the range infested by the ticks, the higher the possibility and the multiplying effect of their damage.

Protecting People and Pets

In an effort to protect your children, yourself and pets there are simple practices you can follow. Ticks love humid, moist conditions so you should be extra vigilant during warmer seasons such as summer. Ticks will wait on long grass for an unsuspecting target to walk by, latching onto them if possible. Wildlife is also a very big contributor to ticks being spread as the insects are not very particular as to the type of host they choose to thrive on. Ticks do not make it easy for you to find on your pet. Here are some common hiding spots to check on your pet:

• Head, Neck and in and around the ears
• Under the collar
• Between the toes
• Tail

To safeguard your surroundings, always check your home for ticks (because they may occasionally get inside on your person, clothes or pets). Do regular checks of yourself, pets, children, garden areas (especially growing pots) and grassy areas. Make special effort to avoid areas that may be infested with ticks as they multiply rapidly and are difficult to spot sometimes. Try to dress children in light-coloured protective clothing while spraying them with repellants containing deet.

Tick Transmission From Animal to Human and Prevention Tips

For the adventure seekers and especially those with the preference of outdoor activities, the risk of tick infestation is increased. Ticks gain access to some locations rather unexpectedly while moving around on their host. Wildlife, scurrying about from one point to the nearby tracks, trees or air may lead to ticks falling on you without your knowledge. They may fall into sections of clothing that are not normally checked, where they can survive for an average of up to three days.

The outdoor world is the tick’s domain so it is especially important to check for their presence after you’ve had some time outside. If you have wildlife intrusion issues you can get help from humane wildlife control service providers in Rexdale to keep wildlife and by extension, ticks off your property.