The thought of Ticks hanging latching onto me via their head and gorging on my blood is so gross that I'm finding it hard to do research on this topic! However, that's also exactly why I must let you know there are Ticks in Ontario and you, your pets and livestock could be affected.
Now, don't panic it's not like they're readily flying around the earth, in fact they don't even fly ;) They simply hang out on the tips vegetation like long grasses, bushes and leaves then move onto the 'host' as you walk by and brush up against their immediate area. Once on you they'll poke around to find the best spot to live then bam they'll bury their head inside the soft flesh!
I can't be 100% positive but I'm pretty sure our cat Spooky had a Tick embedded into his body which is why this whole topic surfaced. It looked like a huge pimple ready to pop! After doing some research regarding bugs and pets I came across this picture from the U of N ...and I think it looks just like 'it', eewww, gross!
We removed 'it' from Spooky and a small, circular mark was left behind. The mark is healing nicely (with no other signs or symptoms) but where the heck did it come from? We have untouched bush nearby with plenty of deer and cattle so I guess 'it' is from there? But, I thought Ticks were in the more southern or northern regions. My family has lived in cottage country for decades and have never come across them before, perhaps they are closing in?!.
How to avoid Ticks...
- Stay on the trails and when bushwacking keep bare skin covered with long pants, shirts and socks tucked in wherever possible. Ticks need to attach themselves to the skin in order to feed.
- Use an insect/tick bug repellent that contains DEET on yourself and put a tick and flea collar on your pets. Be sure to check yourself and them periodically once indoors. Ticks love fur, hair, groins, armpits, dark moist areas and the scalp!
I found a Tick!...
- immediate removal helps prevent infection (it generally takes about 24hrs. to transmit Lyme Disease).
- use tweezers to pull the Tick straight out (don't squeeze it's head off leaving it inside, this could lead to infection). Do not squeeze the area or the Tick! Once removed be sure to clean the immediate area with soap, water and rubbing alcohol.
- save the Tick and take it to your doctor who can then test it for Lyme Disease etc. (unfortunately, we flushed our cat's little friend without realising we should've taken it to the vet).
Ontario - Ministry of Health
University of Quelph - Diagnostic
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