Concerned about ticks this season? This citizen science project has started etick, an online platform for people to monitor and upload information on ticks found in their local area. You can find this website here: etick.ca
Curious to know if the critter that you found is actually a tick? You can submit your picture to etick.ca and their experts will assist you.
Ticks are small arthropods, sometimes measuring under 5mm in size. Liike spiders, they have 8 legs and can be identified by the lack of a “waist” or tear drop shape.
Lyme disease, caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi can be carried by black-legged or deer ticks and transmitted to humans via a bite. If travelling in woods or areas with tall grass, it is advised you cover your skin with long sleeved shirts, tuck your pants into your socks, wear a hat, wear gloves and consider using insect repellant. In the evening do a tick check on every member of your family, including your cat or dog.
Because ticks are so small, some people are not aware that they have been bitten. Not all ticks cause Lyme disease, but if a bullseye rash appears on your skin or you begin to experience new or strange symptoms it is advisable that you speak with your health care provider.
Please note that a lack of tick tagging on the etick.ca website does not indicate that there are no ticks present, it just indicates that nobody has uploaded to that website.
Into camping? Check out our “Camping with Kids” post by clicking HERE