Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health has issued updated advice on tick surveillance, indicating that tick encounters may occur year-round in various outdoor settings, not just during peak summer months in grassy areas. Phil Wong, overseeing health protection operations at the health unit, revealed that through a monitoring initiative involving photo submissions and tick encounter details, new tick hotspots have emerged beyond wooded trails.
The guidance highlights three key tick exposure zones: outdoor parks and trails, residential properties, and occupational environments for outdoor workers. Wong emphasized that individuals are increasingly reporting ticks from their homes, particularly during activities like gardening and leaf raking, even in non-grassy areas. He reassured parents that playgrounds, including those with wood chips, pose a low risk for ticks due to their preference for damp, shaded areas over direct sunlight.
Experts predict a rise in tick encounters in Canada, with over 40 tick species already present in the country, some of which may carry diseases like Lyme disease. To address this growing concern, the Canadian Tick Research and Innovation Centre has been established at Acadia University to enhance research on ticks and tick-borne illnesses. Additionally, the G Magnotta Lyme Disease Research Lab at the University of Guelph continues to study tick-related issues.
Justin Wood, a Lyme disease survivor and researcher, stressed the importance of early detection and intervention for tick-borne diseases. He highlighted the misconception that ticks disappear during winter, explaining that they often hibernate in leaf litter and remain active throughout the year. Public health encourages online reporting of tick sightings for tracking purposes, urging people not to let the tick risk deter them from outdoor activities, as long as they conduct thorough tick checks upon returning indoors.