Tick Season in Okanagan

As spring arrives in the North Okanagan, so does tick season. These tiny arachnids become active as temperatures rise, typically emerging once the snow melts, which can be as early as February in this region. ​

Tick Attached to Mans Chest

Common Tick Species in the North Okanagan:

1. Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni): Predominant in the area, this species is known to cause tick paralysis, a temporary condition that usually resolves upon tick removal. ​

2. Western Black-Legged Tick (Ixodes pacificus): Less common but significant due to its ability to transmit Lyme disease. ​

Diseases Transmitted by Ticks:

• Lyme Disease: Caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted primarily by the Western black-legged tick. While the risk in British Columbia is lower compared to eastern Canada, vigilance is essential. ​

• Tick Paralysis: Associated with the Rocky Mountain wood tick, this condition leads to temporary muscle weakness but typically resolves after the tick is removed. ​

Risk Factors and Tick Attachment:

The likelihood of disease transmission increases with the duration a tick remains attached. For Lyme disease, the tick generally needs to be attached for at least 24 hours to transmit the bacterium.  Prompt and proper removal of ticks significantly reduces infection risk.​

Dos and Don'ts After a Tick Bite:

1. Do Remove the Tick Promptly and Properly:

   • Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin's surface.​

   • Pull upward with steady, even pressure without twisting or jerking.​

   • Avoid using methods like applying heat, oils, or other substances to detach the tick.​

2. Do Clean the Bite Area:

   • After removal, clean the area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.​

3. Do Store the Tick for Identification (Optional):

   • Place the tick in a sealed container with a damp cotton ball.​

   • Label it with the date and location of the bite.​

   • This can assist health professionals if you develop symptoms later.​

4. Do Monitor for Symptoms:

   • Watch for signs like fever, fatigue, headaches, muscle or joint pain, or a rash within 30 days.​

   • A bull’s-eye rash (erythema migrans) can indicate Lyme disease but does not always appear.​

5. Do Seek Medical Attention if Necessary:

   • If the tick was attached for more than 24 hours or you develop symptoms, consult a healthcare provider.​

   • Antibiotics may be recommended if there’s a risk of Lyme disease or other infections.​

Prevention Tips:

• Wear long sleeves, pants, and light-colored clothing to spot ticks easily.​

• Use insect repellents containing DEET or Icaridin.​

• After outdoor activities, especially in grassy or wooded areas, thoroughly check your body and clothing for ticks.​

• Shower within two hours of being outdoors to help remove unattached ticks.​

• Keep your yard maintained by mowing lawns and removing leaf litter to reduce tick habitats.​

Ticks are highly resistant to water and detergents. Borax and regular detergents may help clean clothes but do not effectively kill ticks unless combined with heat.

The most effective way to eliminate them is through high heat:

1. Dry First – Put dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes before washing. This dehydrates and kills ticks.

2. Hot Water Wash (if needed) – If washing, use hot water (above 54°C / 130°F), as cold or warm water may not kill ticks.

3. Final Dryer Cycle – After washing, dry clothes again on high heat for 10-15 minutes to ensure all ticks are dead.

For more info check this Government of Canada web page - Ticks and tick-borne diseases. at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/ticks-tick-borne-diseases.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com