Facts & Tips for Staying Safe Outdoors
Ticks are arachnids that bite humans and animals because they need blood to grow and survive. Adult female ticks also require blood to lay eggs. Ticks are dangerous and should be taken seriously, as they can carry bacteria, parasites, and viruses. In Canada, ticks are commonly found in or near trees, shrubs, leaf piles, grass, trail edges, and wood piles, though they can occasionally be found outside these areas. If you are hiking through areas such as Cootes Paradise or the Royal Botanical Gardens, be especially cautious – these are known tick hotspots!
Note: Only maturing ticks and adult female ticks’ bite; adult male ticks do not bite.
If you believe you have found a tick on yourself, here are a few characteristics to help you identify it: • Ticks have 4 pairs of legs (8 legs total) • Ticks have one single body (no segmented body) • Ticks do not have antennae
Photo of Blacklegged Tick. Photo obtained from Minnesota Department of Health
Photo of American Dog Tick. Photo obtained from Minnesota Department of Health
To prevent tick bites, it is recommended to wear clothing that minimizes skin exposure. This includes long-sleeved tops, pants, closed-toe shoes with socks, and a hat. Wearing light-coloured clothing can also make it easier to spot ticks. If you plan to wear clothing that exposes your skin, apply an insect repellent (bug repellent) containing DEET or icaridin.
Note: Not all bug repellents are safe for everyone, so please visit the link provided for information about personal insect repellents and which one is right for you.
There are also a couple of things you can do when you’re outdoors to lower your risk. Try to stay on paths and trails to avoid direct contact with tall grass and shrubs where ticks are commonly found. Reapply bug spray as described on the product label to maintain protection against ticks while outdoors.
Before going indoors, quickly check your shoes, clothing, and hat for any ticks. You can also use the acronym WHAT (waist, hairline, armpits, and toes) to focus on common areas where ticks are found on people. Once indoors, do a thorough check of your clothes and body. Take a shower as soon as possible and carefully inspect yourself for ticks while cleaning. When looking for ticks, pay attention to discoloured spots or small bumps on your skin.
If you find a tick on your skin, follow these steps to remove it safely and reduce the risk of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses: 1. Using tweezers, pinch the tick as close to the skin as possible. Avoid pinching the tick’s abdomen, as this can increase the chance of bacteria or viruses being transmitted. 2. Pull the tick straight out gently but firmly without twisting or breaking it. In the case the head remains, use tweezers to remove it as well. 3. After removing the tick, clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol to disinfect the bite. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after removing a tick.
Important: Never use heat or chemicals to remove a tick. If you are unable to remove it, seek medical assistance at your local health clinic.
Photo of how to remove a tick. Image obtained from East Hill Veterinary Clinic
Please note that the Student Wellness does not provide walk-in services. If you cannot remove a tick on your own, here are a few walk-in clinics near McMaster: MarCare Clinic 1461 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C9 King West Medical Clinic 881 King St W, Hamilton, ON L8S 1K5 Dundurn Medical Centre 50 Dundurn St S, Hamilton ON L8P 4W3
canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/ticks-tick-borne-diseases/ticks.html#a3 drive.google.com/file/d/1_-mOYQ8dD-atwAyWqeCZQokLSIKO_G1M/view canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/about-pesticides/insect-repellents.html publichealthontario.ca/-/media/Documents/T/2023/tick-species-ontario-lyme.pdf etick.ca/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Website_recognize_a_tick.pdf cdc.gov/ticks/index.html