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Tick Safety

Watch for Ticks

Mar 20, 2019 | 1:14 PM

The recent warm weather has meant the American dog ticks (also known as wood ticks) are once again active throughout much of central and southern Saskatchewan.

This particular species of tick is not capable of transmitting Lyme disease to people

People should take preventative measures whenever they are outside and thoroughly check themselves and pets regularly. You may not know you’ve been bitten, since ticks are very small and their bites are usually painless. The most effective front line defense against ticks for people is a repellent containing DEET and long sleeves/pants (tuck pants into your socks).

If you find a tick attached to your skin remove it with fine tipped tweezers, grasping the mouth of the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull out steadily with firm pressure. Don’t handle the tick with bare hands. Use warm water and soap or rubbing alcohol to clean your hands and wound after removal. If you have any concerns about a tick bite, seek medical attention.

Never crush a tick with your fingers. Dispose of a live tick by putting it in alcohol or by crushing with another firm object, being careful not to allow any fluid to touch you as it can contain bacteria. You can keep a tick and submit it for testing if you concerned that it is a black-legged tick (also known as a deer tick) which can carry Lyme Disease.

More information and submission information are available here: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/diseases-and-conditions/lyme-disease

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