As the seasons change and cooler weather settles in to the southwest, insects start to slowly disappear—but there’s one that like to stick around a little longer.  

The Ministry of Health is advising folks in the area to be wary of ticks this fall, as the species that is found in cooler weather can be dangerous to people and their pets. 

Medical Health Officer for the southwest, Dr. David Torr, said that the most common species of ticks in the province are the American dog tick, which aren’t a concern for the disease. 

“It’s a special type of tick called the blacklegged tick that we get concerned with because it can carry lyme disease,” he said. "And as much as these blacklegged ticks have been rare in Saskatchewan, we’ve had a few identified within [the province].” 

Torr explained that the disease can be contracted through a bite from the tick, with symptoms starting out as simple as an irritated puncture site but developing into severe illness. 

“It can give you fever and other complications especially if untreated,” he said. “Joints can get affected, bones can get affected, so many things can get affected—that's why we always want to prevent as much as possible.”  

Not every blacklegged tick carries the disease, but it’s recommended to treat them all as if they do and not take the risk. 

Some preventative measures Dr. Torr recommended are being extra cautious when spending time in wooded or grassy areas, as well as dressing in layers that don’t leave skin exposed such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and closed-toe shoes. 

Wearing clothing of a light colour is ideal to help spot a tick, as they will contrast and stand out if crawling on outer layers.  

To prevent a tick from getting under clothing, folks should use insect repellent on their skin as well as their clothing, and pull socks over pant legs. 

“After any walk outside, check your clothing,” Torr added. “Bathe as soon as possible after being outside and make sure there’s no ticks on you.”  

Folks that find a tick on themselves, someone else, or a pet, can take a picture and submit it to www.etick.ca for identification to find out if it’s a dangerous species or not. 

In a release from the Ministry of Health, it’s recommended that folks who find a tick embedded under the skin use fine-tipped tweezers and grasp the mouth pieces as close to the skin as possible, being careful not to puncture or crush the body. 

Noxious substances such as Vaseline and gasoline should be avoided on the area if a tick is attached, as they can cause the insect to regurgitate. 

“During the fall they are still very much active,” Torr concluded. “We are having this tick of concern that’s creeping into the province, and we want to help people be aware and protect themselves against getting lyme disease.”