Tick Season Is Back – Here’s How to Stay Safe Outdoors
Tick season is officially in full swing! These little hitchhikers are most active during spring and fall, but don’t let your guard down—they remain active all summer long, especially once the temperature hits 4°C or higher.
Whether you’re heading out for a hike, gardening in your backyard, or simply playing in the grass, ticks may be closer than you think.
Where Ticks Lurk:
You might come into contact with ticks when:
- Hiking in wooded or brushy areas
- Gardening or doing yard work
- Playing in grassy fields or parks
- Walking near long or uncut grass
Tick-Prevention Tips:
It’s hard to avoid their favorite hangouts—because they’re ours, too! But a few simple habits can make a big difference:
- Wear long pants and tuck them into your socks
- Choose closed-toe shoes over sandals
- Pull long hair back into a ponytail or bun
- Stick to the center of trails and avoid tall grass
- Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily
- Use an insect repellent that contains DEET (especially if wearing shorts or skirts)
- Cover up as much as possible when outdoors
Do a Post-Play Tick Check:
After outdoor fun, check yourself and your kids for ticks, especially:
- Behind the knees
- Along the scalp and hairline
- In and around the belly button
- In the groin area
- Under the arms
- On the back (ask for help or use a mirror)
Being outdoors is part of what makes life so rich, especially here at Journey Haven. While we can’t eliminate all risks, we can be tick-aware and proactive. By taking a few precautions, we can continue to enjoy nature safely.
Helpful Links and Resources:
We’re not medical professionals or tick experts, but we do believe in staying informed. Here are some trusted resources to learn more:
- Huron Perth Public Health – Lyme Disease Info
- Government of Canada – Enjoy the Outdoors Without a Tick
- Ontario Government – How to Avoid Tick Bites
- eTick – Image-Based Tick ID & Tracking in Canada
- Tick Removal – Step-by-Step Guide
- TickEncounter – Tick Growth Comparison Charts
- Government of Canada – Climate Change and Tick-Borne Diseases
Stay curious, stay safe, and enjoy every bit of the season—mindfully and tick-smart.
— The Journey Haven Team