The government recently put out a release, as the Ministry of Health is reminding Saskatchewan residents to remain vigilant for ticks on themselves and pets during the fall season. People may think tick season is done and over with, but one particular tick thrives this time of year.

While rare, blacklegged ticks remain active throughout fall, particularly in tall grass, brush or wooded areas. According to the release, in Saskatchewan, any ticks found in the fall are likely to be blacklegged ticks, which can cause Lyme disease.

"While we certainly want everyone to get outside and enjoy the beautiful fall weather, we also want you to be smart about it," Deputy Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Julie Kryzanowski said. "Simple precautions such as checking for ticks on yourself, as well as on children and pets, after spending time in long grass or brush will reduce your risk of a tick bite."

The article states the number of ticks detected thus far this season is much lower compared to previous years, likely due to the cooler temperatures observed during spring and the subsequent hot, dry weather during the summer months.

The release also provided this list of precautions, and what to do if a tick does become attached to you or your pet:

Precautionary measures include:

  • Wear light-coloured clothes so ticks can be seen easily.

  • Wear pants, long-sleeved shirts and shoes that do not expose your feet.

  • Pull socks over your pant legs to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.

  • Use insect repellents that contain DEET or Icaridin. Apply repellent to clothes as well as your skin. Always read and follow the directions.

  • In Canada, clothing that has been treated with the insecticide permethrin has been approved for use by people over the age of 16.

  • Shower or bathe as soon as possible after being outside to wash off loose ticks and inspect for attached ticks.

  • Do "full body" tick checks after being outside on yourself, your children and your pets.

If you find a tick attached to your skin or on your pet:

  • Carefully remove it with fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the mouth parts of the tick as close to the skin as possible.

  • Pull slowly upward and out with a firm steady pressure.

  • Be careful not to squeeze, crush or puncture the body after removal as it may contain infectious fluids.

  • Do not put Vaseline, gasoline or other noxious substances on an attached tick which may cause it to regurgitate.

 

For more on how to help with the identification of ticks, visit etick.ca