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Ticks and Lyme Disease

Check for ticks! (Public Health Agency of Canada)

  • Ticks can be found anywhere on the body but are often found in the hair and on thighs, arms, legs, and in armpits.
  • Lyme disease occurs from the bite of a certain species of tick. The tick known to transmit this infection in Ontario is the blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis. 
  • Not all blacklegged ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
  • Blacklegged ticks and other tick species can be found on tall grass and brush in woodland areas. 
  • Ixodes scapularis can be as small as a pinhead, and since its bite is painless, many victims of Lyme disease are unaware they have ever been bitten.
  • For an infection to occur, the tick must remain attached to its victim for more than 24 hours.
  • If found on a human, you can:
    • Put the tick in a dry container and bring it to Public Health to be sent for species identification. Or,
    • Submit a photo of the tick to etick.ca for species identification.

Visit Health Canada for detailed information, tools and facts about symptoms, risks and how to prevent, treat and manage illness.

Ticks are no longer tested for the Lyme disease bacteria. If you find a tick feeding on you, monitor for symptoms. If you develop any symptoms of Lyme disease, follow up with your primary health care provider or pharmacist to determine if you need treatment.

Areas where there is tall grass, wooded area, and bushes (including city gardens and parks) pose an increased risk of potential tick exposure for those who live, work, or visit in these areas.

Those who are involved in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and gardening are also at an increased risk of being exposed to ticks.

  • Wear light coloured clothing outdoors. It makes ticks easier to spot.
  • Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
  • Wear closed footwear and socks, when walking through fields or woods.
  • Tuck your pants into your socks.
  • Use a tick repellent containing DEET. Apply it to your skin and outer clothing. Always read the label for directions before use.
  • Check your pets when they come indoors and ask your veterinarian about options to keep ticks off your pets.
  • Search your body well for ticks after walking through fields or woods. Pay special attention to areas such as behind the knees, head and hair, the groin, belly button, and armpits. It’s a good idea to have a shower as soon as you can to wash off any ticks.

Removing a tick is the same for humans and animals. It is important that you don’t crush or damage the tick. If you find a tick attached:

  • Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick close to the skin as possible and gently pull straight up.
  • Wash the area with soap and water.
This page was last updated September 25, 2026