At Credit Valley Conservation, we’re big fans of bugs. Insects and other arthropods play vital roles in our ecosystems, including pollinating plants, decomposing organic matter and feeding wildlife. They can also be beautiful and have endlessly fascinating habits. We also understand that some of them can be annoying.
No one enjoys being accompanied on a hike with mosquitoes and blackflies. However, when it comes to ticks, the concern goes beyond itchy bites. Blacklegged ticks, or deer ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are becoming more common across southern Ontario, including parts of the Credit River Watershed. These ticks are the only species in our region known to carry the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which causes Lyme disease.
As tick populations continue to grow and more local ticks test positive as carriers, it’s important for everyone spending time outdoors to be aware and prepared.
Here’s what you need to know.
Know the Tick
The good news is that not all ticks are blacklegged ticks. In fact, most of the ticks found in our region are American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis), which are not known to carry Lyme disease. Distinguishing between the two species is relatively straightforward for trained eyes but if you’re unsure ask an expert.
Deer Tick
- Size: Smaller than dog ticks, about the size of a sesame seed.
- Appearance: Smoother back, dark red or brown scutum (body).
- Disease Transmission: Can transmit Lyme disease and other diseases.
Dog Tick
- Size: Larger than deer ticks, roughly double their size.
- Appearance: White markings or racing stripes on their scutum (body), reddish-brown in color.
- Disease Transmission: Can transmit other diseases but not Lyme disease.
Stay Informed and Safe
Spending time outdoors in conservation areas is one of the best ways to connect with nature and keeps you healthy in lots of different ways. Taking simple precautions can help ensure those experiences remain safe and enjoyable:
- Wear light-coloured clothing and tuck pants into socks to spot ticks more easily.
- Stay on marked trails and avoid brushing against tall grasses or shrubs.
- Perform a full body check for ticks after your visit.
- Use insect repellent with DEET or icaridin. Always follow the label’s directions when applying. Refer to Health Canada Guidelines for using insect repellents safely.
- Learn what to do if you find an attached tick from Health Canada.
By staying informed and taking simple steps to protect yourself, you can enjoy the outdoors with greater peace of mind.
Support Monitoring Efforts
If you find a tick on yourself, a friend or a pet, snap a photo and submit it to eTick.ca. It’s an easy and effective way to stay informed and support ongoing monitoring efforts.
Explore our Trails
Not sure which trail to explore next? Visit our parks page for more information about hiking in the Credit River Watershed.
Found an insect and need help identifying the species? Send us a picture on social media and we’ll have an expert identify it for you. Share it with us on X, Facebook and Instagram.
By Laura Timms, Program Manager, Natural Heritage Management