Article written by The North Shore PCN

Summer in British Columbia is all about getting outside – whether it’s hiking forest trails, enjoying backyard BBQs, or walking the dog along the seawall. But as we spend more time outdoors, so do insects like mosquitoes and ticks. Most bites are harmless, but a few can lead to more serious issues like Lyme disease or West Nile virus. The key? Knowing what to watch for and how to protect yourself.

What’s the risk?

In BC, the Western Blacklegged Tick is the main one to look out for. It can carry Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. However, Lyme disease is relatively uncommon in BC – fewer than 1% of ticks here carry the bacteria. The risk is much lower compared to Eastern Canada, where tick species and disease prevalence differ significantly.

These ticks live in forested and grassy areas, especially on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Lower Mainland, and parts of the Interior. 

Mosquitoes can also carry West Nile virus, although it’s extremely rare in BC. Regardless, it’s a good idea to take precautions, especially in areas with standing water.

How to stay protected

Dress for the outdoors
When hiking or walking in brushy areas, wear long sleeves, pants, and closed shoes. Light colours help spot ticks more easily. Tuck your pants into your socks if you’re heading into tick-heavy areas.

Use bug repellent
Apply a Health Canada-approved insect repellent that contains DEET or icaridin. These are safe for both adults and kids when used as directed – just be sure to follow the label instructions.

Check for ticks
After being outside, especially in wooded or grassy sports, do a full body check. Ticks like warm, hidden areas: behind the knees, along the hairline, in armpits, and around the waist. Don’t forget to check your pets, too – dogs are especially prone to picking up ticks.

Shower after outdoor time
Showering within 2 hours of coming inside can help wash off any ticks that haven’t attached yet.

Talk to your vet
If you have pets that spend time outside, ask your vet about tick protection medications. Regular checks are important for them, too.

If you find a tick

Remove it promptly and properly:

  • Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
  • Pull upward steadily and evenly without twisting or jerking, to avoid leaving parts of the tick embedded.
  • Avoid squeezing the tick’s body, as this can release harmful fluids.
  • Do not use methods like burning, petroleum jelly, or nail polish to remove the tick.

Remove it promptly and properly:

  • Clean the bite area with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to the bite area to prevent infection.

Monitor for symptoms:

  • Watch for signs such as rash, fever, fatigue, or muscle aches in the weeks following the bite.
  • Seek medical attention if symptoms develop, as early treatment is crucial for tick-borne illnesses.

Need help identifying a tick?

  • Submit a photo of the tick to eTick.ca for identification.
  • For more detailed information, check out Tick Talk for the Whole Family, a helpful resource from the BC Centre for Disease Control.

Enjoy nature – safely

BC’s great outdoors are here to be explore and enjoyed. With a few easy precautions, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from bug bites and tick exposure – so you can focus on what really matters: making the most of a beautiful summer.