With summer-like weather upon us, Lambton Public Health is reminding residents to take precautions against ticks and Lyme disease while outdoors.
Health Protection Supervisor Matthew Butler said they're especially prevalent in wooded or grassy areas.
"We do have populations of deer or blacklegged ticks in the Lambton-area, particularly in the Pinery Provincial Park and surrounding area," said Butler. "Our main message to residents for tick bite prevention is to be prepared, use bug spray containing DEET, and wear long sleeves and pants when walking outdoors."
Butler said not all deer ticks carry the Lyme disease bacteria, adding that even if the bug is positive, the risk of contracting the disease is low.
He said some people may experience a rash, fever, and aches if they're bitten. From three to 30 days after an infected tick bite, an expanding red area might appear that sometimes clears in the center, forming a bull's-eye pattern. If that's the case, they should see a health care provider.
The American dog tick is the most common in Lambton and doesn't efficiently transmit Lyme disease.
To remove a tick, use tweezers and pull it straight out using heavy pressure.
Due to COVID-19, Lambton Public Health isn't accepting ticks to be identified. You can submit a picture by going to etick.ca.
