Protect yourself from ticks: Southwestern Public Health encourages monitoring and prevention when outdoors

With warmer weather comes an increase in tick activity. Southwestern Public Health (SWPH) is reminding residents of simple steps to significantly reduce the risk of tick bites and tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease. 

“We are seeing more ticks in our communities and more reports of tick bites, often right at home,” says Kitty Chan, Manager, Environmental Health. “As our climate continues to warm, ticks are active for longer periods each year, which means people need to think about tick protection any time they are outdoors.” 

Blacklegged ticks can cause infections such as Lyme disease, as well as other illnesses including anaplasmosis and babesiosis. SWPH reported 32 Lyme disease cases in 2023, 36 in 2024, and 45 cases in 2025, a sharp increase compared with just four reported cases in 2020. 

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that ticks are only a concern in deep woods,” says Chan. “For nearly half of the Lyme disease cases we saw in 2025, the suspected exposure happened in their own backyard. That’s why daily prevention and tick checks are so important.” 

Ticks are most often found in shady, damp, and grassy areas such as wooded spaces, tall grasses, shrubs, and leaf litter. Blacklegged ticks are continuing to move into new areas across Ontario and within the SWPH region. In 2025, Pinafore Park in St. Thomas was newly identified as a blacklegged tick risk area. 

“Preventing tick bites starts before you even step outside,” says Chan. “Wear long sleeves, long pants, closed toe shoes, and tuck your pants into socks to help keep ticks off your skin. Use insect repellent with DEET and choose light-coloured clothing when going outdoors.” 

SWPH also encourages residents to check their bodies for ticks every time they come indoors, especially around the neck, ears, underarms, and groin. Showering and towel drying after outdoor activities can help remove ticks before they attach. 

“If you do find a tick, remove it promptly and safely with a tick removal device, while making sure to also remove its head,” says Chan. “The online tool, eTick.ca, can help identify the tick species to determine whether medical follow-up is needed.” 

SWPH reminds residents to monitor symptoms and seek medical advice if they feel unwell after a potential tick exposure. Visit our website for more information about ticks, Lyme disease, and prevention.