Tick ​​season in Saskatchewan: Residents reminded to take precautions

As the weather warms, the province is reminding people to take precautions to reduce their exposure to ticks.

“As we head outside to enjoy the warmer weather, it is important to protect ourselves from the potential threat of tick bites,” said Dr. Julie Kryzanowski, deputy chief public health officer, said in a provincial news release.

“By taking simple precautions, we can protect ourselves and our families as we enjoy time outdoors.”

To prevent tick bites, the Ministry of Health recommends the following:

• Wear light-colored clothing so that ticks are easily visible
• Wear pants, long-sleeved shirts, and shoes that don't expose your bare feet
• Pull the socks over the pant legs to prevent ticks from crawling up the legs
• Use insect repellents containing DEET or icaridin on clothing and skin
• Shower or bathe as soon as possible after being outdoors

In Saskatchewan, the risk of Lyme disease infection is low because most ticks found in the province are the American dog tick or the wood tick, the release said. This species is active from mid-April to late July and does not transmit the disease.

The presence of blacklegged ticks, which can cause Lyme disease, was discovered in Saskatchewan in 2023, but the province said there is currently no evidence of a proliferating population of blacklegged ticks.

If a tick is found, it should be removed immediately using fine-tipped tweezers. Once the tick has been removed, it is recommended to wash the area with soap and water and then disinfect with rubbing alcohol or an iodine swab.

There is an online system where people can submit photos to identify the type of tick they see. It is recommended to store the tick in a safe container and keep it in the freezer until results are available, in case administrators request more information.