Early Tick Sightings Spark Concern Across the County

As the weather warms up, more people in the County are heading outside but along with spring comes something many residents are noticing more than usual this year: ticks. 

Ticks are not just showing up in one corner of the County. That is the real issue driving this conversation. A post warning that ticks were already “out in full force” in Macaulay, the comments from the community quickly filled with reports from Wooler, Sandbanks, Quinte West, and other nearby areas.

People were not debating whether ticks are here. They were comparing how many they had already found on themselves, their kids, and their dogs.

Local public health says the risk of encountering blacklegged ticks in southeastern Ontario is very high, and federal guidance says ticks can be active whenever temperatures are consistently above freezing. So while one photo of a tick might look like a small warning, the bigger story is that many residents are seeing the same thing at the same time, and much earlier in the season than some remember from years past.

The discussion also shows how quickly useful advice and unclear claims can get mixed together. Some comments shared helpful tips, like using an approved repellent with DEET or icaridin, checking clothing and pets, and being extra careful in tall grass and wooded areas. Other claims need more caution. Public Health Ontario says the lone star tick has been found in Ontario but does not have established populations here, and there is no solid evidence supporting rumors about ticks being deliberately spread in fields. 

What is clear is that the concern in this thread is real. It is based on what people are actually seeing outside right now. Because of that, prevention matters more than ever.

Here are some simple ways to protect yourself and your family:

• Wear long sleeves and long pants when walking in grassy or wooded areas. Tuck your pants into your socks if possible.

• Use insect approved repellents with DEET or icaridin on exposed skin and clothing.

• Stay on clear paths and avoid tall grass or bushes when you can.

• Do a full body check after being outdoors, especially behind knees, under arms, around ears, and along the hairline.

• Check children and pets carefully.

• Shower after coming inside to help remove ticks that have not attached yet.

• Use vet-recommended tick prevention for pets.

Not every tick carries disease but removing them quickly lowers the risk. It is also important to watch for symptoms like rash, fever, or fatigue after a bite. Ignoring the rise in sightings would be a mistake. The better approach is to stay aware and take simple steps to reduce risk.

Are you seeing more ticks this spring where you live, and has it changed how you use local trails, parks, or even your own backyard?