become a season‑long concern, with ticks now active earlier in spring, lingering well into fall, and appearing in areas where they were once uncommon.This shift is being seen from the Maritimes through central Canada and into parts of the West, reflecting a broader pattern rather than isolated pockets. As wildlife moves and climate patterns continue to change, ticks are establishing themselves in new habitats and becoming increasingly common across the country.

While ticks are now a routine part of outdoor life, the illnesses they can carry deserve attention. Blacklegged ticks can transmit Lyme disease, which often begins with flu‑like symptoms or a spreading rash and can lead to more serious complications if untreated. Other infections, such as anaplasmosis and babesiosis, which are also carried by blacklegged ticks, are being detected more frequently as their populations grow. The risk remains manageable, but early recognition matters: prompt tick removal, monitoring for symptoms, and seeking medical care when needed are the most effective ways to prevent illness.

Protecting yourself is relatively straightforward. Wearing long sleeves and pants, sticking to the center of trails, and doing a full tick check after spending time outside all make a meaningful difference. Showering within a couple of hours of coming indoors can wash away ticks before they attach.

DEET is an effective repellent, but it isn’t the first choice for everyone, especially for families with young children or pets. Its strong scent, chemical feel on the skin, and the possibility of irritation from frequent use make some people hesitant to rely on it. While DEET is considered safe when used exactly as directed, it can be harmful to pets if they lick or ingest it, which is why veterinarians recommend keeping DEET‑based products away from animals. These concerns lead many households to look for better aoptions such as icaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, both of which offer strong protection without some of DEET’s drawbacks.