You’re not alone if you feel like ticks are being seen more often in our region.
South East Health Unit officials say black legged ticks in the area can carry bacteria that may cause severe illnesses including Lyme disease and can be spread to us through a bite.
Senior Public Health Inspector Joyce MacNeil tells Moose FM that the effects of climate change means temperatures are rising earlier and lasting longer providing the perfect environment for black legged ticks.
Black legged ticks come out when the average temperature is higher than four degrees.
MacNeil says the health unit is receiving daily reports of the effects of ticks on people.
“I think every year we are getting either an earlier spring, where the temperature does reach four degrees earlier, or it’s lasting longer into the fall.”
Some tips to ward off ticks include dressing in light coloured clothing so you can see that a tick is on you and using an insect repellent containing DEET.
