Tick season is here! Here’s how to protect yourself

This undated photo provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a blacklegged tick, which is also known as a deer tick. (CDC via AP, File)

Tick season is in full swing, and the pests will be around into the fall.

The Middlesex-London Health Unit (MLHU) has brought attention back to its tick tips. When you’re outside, here is what you can do to protect yourself and your pets:

• Wear light-coloured clothing to see ticks on you better
• Tuck in your clothes
• Walk in the centre of the hiking trail
• Wear bug spray with DEET in it
• Check yourself and remove any ticks with tweezers
• Identify the tick by using the eTick app

🍃Spring has sprung, bringing sunshine and warmth, but also tick season! Whether you're out hiking or strolling with your furry friends, soak up the sun safely and protect your loved ones from ticks.

➡️ Wear light-coloured clothing (makes it easier to see ticks on your clothing)… pic.twitter.com/kRmYcAtNxe

— MLHealthUnit (@MLHealthUnit) April 20, 2025

The MLHU has a full chart of characteristics and pictures of ticks here.

If you start to experience symptoms of Lyme disease, you should seek medical help immediately.

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fatigue
• A skin rash that looks like a bullseye
• numbness or tingling
• Swollen lymph nodes