Tick Tips: Niagara Region Public Health shares easy ways to stay safe this spring

April 28, 2025

As the weather warms up and we start to spend more time outdoors, Niagara Region Public Health is reminding residents that tick season is here again. While ticks are a natural part of many outdoor areas, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from tick bites and confidently enjoy your time outside.

Black legged ticks, which can carry and transmit Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can be found in forested areas, tall grass, and in backyards.

“Ticks are present throughout Niagara, and it’s important to be aware of the potential risks,” says Dr. Azim Kasmani, Medical Officer of Health for the Niagara Region. “We see cases of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease each year, and it’s important for people to stay informed and take steps to protect themselves. Awareness and prevention help keep both individuals and the community safe.”

To help reduce your risk of tick bites, follow these tips:

Perform regular tick checks on yourself, your children, and your pets after outdoor activities.
Use insect repellents that contains DEET or Icaridin (always follow the instructions).
Wear light-coloured clothing to help spot ticks more easily.
Keep your yard tidy by mowing the grass and removing leaf litter, where ticks like to hide.

“Making a few simple changes to your routine, such as setting a reminder on your phone for tick checks and keeping your insect repellent by the door can be helpful in preventing tick bites,” says Gillian Dilts, Environmental Health Manager at Niagara Region Public Health. “It’s a small effort that can help protect you from tick-borne illnesses."

Symptoms of Lyme disease can develop 3 to 30 days after a bite from an infected black-legged tick. If you notice symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or a circular rash, contact your healthcare provider.

For more information on the safe removal of ticks, and prevention tips, visit niagararegion.ca/ticks. For quick tick identification, you can also visit etick.ca.

Stay safe and enjoy the outdoors, just don’t forget to check for ticks.

Media contact

Celia Carr
Niagara Region Public Health
905-688-8248
celia.carr@niagararegion.ca