By Erica Fellin, PhD Candidate at McGill University

With the help of QCBS, I was able to work on my research project predicting the blacklegged tick distribution in Québec. To better assess the distribution of ticks in the environment, I surveyed several different habitat types to determine where I was most likely to find these parasites. Since these ticks can transmit the bacteria causing Lyme disease – the most common zoonotic disease in North America – studying this species’ distribution can help determine geographic risks related to the disease. Current government practices only survey for ticks in forests, so I wanted to account for areas where ticks may also be found. There are several reports of people finding ticks on their bodies without having been in the woods, so I wanted to account for this when considering the tick distribution. 

Tick surveys typically involve dragging a flannel sheet along the ground and methodically checking the sheet every few steps. Last summer, I surveyed four different habitat types (forests, forest edges, agricultural land, and urban green spaces) across southern Québec to see if I could find ticks beyond the forest, and my results were interesting.

The forests/forest edges I went to were consistently mixed woods, so the composition was consistent and there were not any irregularities – except one flooded forest! I surveyed across some interesting agricultural areas, including two dairy farms, a horse farm, a plant nursery, and a beer farm (a farm that grows barley, wheat, and hops for its brewery!). I also surveyed dog parks, driveways, and parking lots. To no surprise, I found ticks in forests and along the forest edge. I did not find any ticks at any of the farms I went to, although some of the farmers in more forested landscapes said they have seen ticks. 

It seems proximity to forests is more important than the actual habitat itself, so as the temperatures increase and ticks become more active, I wanted to provide some tips to all those planning to spend some time outdoors!

How to stay safe this Summer (AND Spring AND Fall)!!!

Blacklegged ticks are quite small, especially immature nymphal ticks. Ticks “quest” for a host, searching for an individual to feed from. They can be active throughout the year if it is warm enough – there are records of ticks questing for hosts in January! Regardless of the time of year, when you are out in any wooded area, take note of whether the area is considered an at-risk area. In Québec, the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ) publishes a map every year where they have assessed risks for ticks carrying the bacteria causing Lyme disease. Check out their website to be better aware of your potential risks: https://www.inspq.qc.ca/en/node/661896

When you’re outside:

-Put on DEET (insect repellent)

-Wear pants and long sleeves

-Wear long socks, tuck pants into socks

-If you have long hair, tie it up; ticks can travel more easily in loose hair

When you’re home:

-Full body examination; get out the mirror! Ticks like hard-to-reach spots that are damp and warm; armpits, inner thighs, and head

-Shower as soon as possible; loose ticks are likely to fall off

-Wash clothes and/or put them in the dryer; too dry for ticks to survive

If you find a tick: 

-Take a picture and submit it to eTick.ca. This is a citizen science initiative developed to better monitor the distribution of ticks across Canada. 

-If you can collect the tick, send it to your local public health unit! Recording where ticks are and submitting them to be tested for diseases they may carry can help all of us!

-If it is not attached to you, kill it by putting it in a jar or baggy and putting it in the freezer.

If you find an attached tick:

-Use tweezers/forceps or a tick remover to take it out. The tick should be positioned perpendicular to the attachment site (ticks should be vertically up). It is very important to make sure to remove the entire tick – if you remove the tick, but the mouthpart is still attached, it can still transmit diseases. If you are not comfortable removing, go to a doctor or vet. 

Stay safe and have fun!

About the Author: Erica Fellin is a PhD Candidate studying spatial and disease ecology at McGill University in the biology department. She has been bitten by turtles more times than she has been bitten by ticks.