Tick Season in Ward 11 — What You Need to Know

Spring and summer mean more time outdoors. For most of us in Glanbrook and the surrounding rural communities, that's the whole point. But it also means tick season, and it's worth knowing what to watch for.

Hamilton is a Lyme disease risk area

Hamilton Public Health has identified our city as a risk area for Lyme disease. That designation covers most of Hamilton within a 20-kilometre radius - including much of Ward 11 - with the exception of parts of eastern Stoney Creek and Glanbrook.

Being in a risk area doesn't mean Lyme disease is common here. The overall risk of human infection in Hamilton remains low. What it means is that blacklegged ticks - the only ticks in Ontario that can transmit Lyme disease - have been found in our area, and that the chance of encountering one is higher than in areas outside the risk zone.

Ticks tend to live in wooded areas, dense brush, and tall grasses. They're not typically found in lawns, paved areas, or sports fields. If you're spending time on trails, near woodlots, or in areas with leaf litter, it's worth taking some simple precautions.

Know your ticks

Not every tick is a concern for Lyme disease. The most common tick found in Hamilton is the American dog tick - it does not transmit Lyme disease. The blacklegged tick (also called the deer tick) is smaller, and it's the one to watch for.

If you're unsure what kind of tick you've found, Hamilton Public Health Services can help identify it.

What to do if you find a tick

Remove it promptly. The longer a tick is attached, the greater the risk of transmission. Use fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull upward steadily. Clean the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

If the tick was attached - especially if it appears engorged or was on for more than a few hours -contact your healthcare provider. They can advise on whether treatment is appropriate. Don't wait for symptoms.

Submitting a tick for identification

Hamilton Public Health Services offers tick identification for surveillance purposes. You have two options:

Take a clear photo of the tick and email it to hhvbdadmin@hamilton.ca. Include the location where the tick was found. Public Health staff will identify the tick and share relevant health messaging with you.

Or pick up a tick identification kit at any Municipal Service Centre (excluding City Hall) or at the Public Health Services office at 110 King Street West, 2nd Floor, Hamilton. Instructions are included in the kit.

Staff will contact you within two to five business days with identification results.

A few important notes: Public Health no longer tests blacklegged ticks for Lyme disease if they were found on a person - if that's the case, contact your healthcare provider directly for treatment advice. Ticks found on dogs or other animals will not be tested.

Protecting yourself this season

A few simple habits make a real difference:

Cover up when walking in wooded or brushy areas - long sleeves, long pants, and light-coloured clothing make ticks easier to spot. Use insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin on exposed skin and clothing. Do a full body check after being outdoors, and check your pets too. Shower within two hours of coming inside.

More information

Full details on Lyme disease, tick identification, and prevention are available through the City of Hamilton at hamilton.ca/lyme. You can also visit etick.ca for tick identification resources and reporting.

If you have questions or concerns about tick activity in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to reach out to my office.