Health expert Laura Woodward said Saskatchewan residents should take precautions as the region faces a busy tick season this spring.

Rising tick populations increase the risk of tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Because these illnesses can lead to serious long-term health complications, experts are urging the public to adopt rigorous prevention strategies.

Tick bites typically spike in May [1]. During this period, emergency-room visits for tick bites have been higher than normal [3]. This trend reflects a broader increase in tick activity across North America, with Canada now hosting more than 40 different species of ticks [2].

Woodward said that protecting oneself and pets requires a combination of clothing and chemical barriers. She said residents should wear protective clothing that covers the skin and perform regular tick checks after spending time outdoors. These checks are critical for identifying and removing ticks before they can transmit pathogens into the bloodstream.

For pets, the use of safe repellents is advised to prevent ticks from hitching a ride into the home. Because pets often venture into tall grass and brush—prime tick habitats—they serve as common vectors for bringing ticks into residential areas.

Public health officials said that early detection is the most effective way to manage tick-borne illness. Residents are encouraged to monitor for rashes or fever following any outdoor activity in wooded or grassy areas. Proper removal techniques, such as using fine-tipped tweezers to pull the tick straight out, remain the gold standard for prevention.

“Canada has over 40 different species of ticks”

The increase in tick diversity and population in Canada suggests a shifting ecological landscape, likely driven by warming temperatures and expanded habitat ranges. As tick-borne diseases move further north into provinces like Saskatchewan, public health infrastructure must shift from occasional warnings to permanent seasonal surveillance to prevent an increase in chronic Lyme disease cases.