If you’ve been outside at all lately – walking the dog, gardening, hitting the trails, or even just stepping off the deck – you’ve probably noticed it: Tick season has officially arrived in Thunder Bay.

And this year, it’s not just “a few here and there.” As of last year, more than 40% of blacklegged ticks in the City of Thunder Bay area tested positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. That officially puts Thunder Bay and the surrounding area in a risk zone.

Now – don’t panic. Most ticks we find around here are wood ticks, and those don’t carry Lyme. It’s the blacklegged ticks you want to watch for, and they need to be attached for at least 24 hours to pass on the bacteria. So catching them early really matters.

What Listeners Are Seeing Already

This morning on Country 105, Dee talked to a few listeners who are already in the thick of it.

Dawn and Miranda both said they’ve been pulling ticks off their dogs for the past week – and not just one or two.

When Thunder Bay listeners start calling in before June… you know it’s going to be a busy tick season.

How to Protect Yourself (and Your Pets)

Ontario’s Ministry of Health keeps it simple:

• Cover Up – long sleeves, pants tucked into socks, and light‑coloured clothing so you can actually see the little guys.
• Use Bug Spray – DEET or Icaridin on exposed skin.
• Check Yourself & Your Pets – armpits, hairline, behind the knees, waistband… and check the dog’s ears, belly, and between the toes.
• Protect Your Pets – your vet can set you up with prevention.

Expert Tips

• Spot Them Early ticks can be as tiny as a poppy seed. Light clothing helps.
• The Lint Roller Hack – roll your ankles while hiking or wrap tape sticky‑side‑out to catch ticks before they latch on.
• Do a Full Body Check – underarms, behind knees, hairline, waistband — all the cozy hiding spots.
• Remove Safely – fine‑tipped tweezers, pull straight up, don’t twist or crush.
• Aftercare – wash the bite, save the tick, and watch for fever, flu‑like symptoms, or unusual rashes.

Wood Tick or Blacklegged Tick?

If you ever find one, identifying it helps: