Warning of an early Tick Season experts warn.
Ticks are small arachnids, related to spiders and scorpions, and they are external parasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians, and have over 900 species of ticks, and they vary in size from less than a millimeter to more than a centimeter long.
Orkin, a national pest control company, has cautioned Canadians that the atypical warm weather conditions have disrupted the typical behavioral patterns of ticks, causing the 2023 tick season to come earlier and with greater intensity than previous years.
Due to the mild winter experienced last year, the natural control of wildlife populations, including ticks, has been reduced. Ticks are a type of parasitic arachnid that can attach themselves to both humans and their pets. They are not dormant during winter and can feed on hosts for extended periods of time, surviving through the season.
As a result of a larger-than-average tick population surviving the winter, there will be a second surge in tick populations during the upcoming spring season. This surge is expected to amplify, leading to even more significant tick populations during the early summer and fall months.
Ticks are associated with serious health risks as they can carry viruses and bacteria that cause illnesses in humans and animals. One of the most widely known diseases transmitted by ticks is Lyme disease, which is associated with Black-legged ticks (also called deer ticks). Lyme disease can cause fatigue, but more severe cases can lead to central nervous system issues as the neurotoxins produced by ticks can cause paralysis and muscle dysfunction.
There are additional illnesses that can be transmitted by ticks, such as the potentially lethal bacterial infections Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. Symptoms of these infections include fever, weight loss, and ulcers.
If you plan to be in wooded areas or tall grass, it’s important to wear appropriate clothing, such as buttoned shirts that are tucked into pants and suitable footwear. When appropriate clothing is not feasible, consider applying tick repellents to any exposed or uncovered skin.
After returning indoors from outdoor activities, it’s essential to thoroughly check yourself and your children for any ticks.
