The Tick Threat You Need to Know About

As warmer weather arrives, outdoor enthusiasts and dog owners are on high alert for ticks, those small but formidable bloodsuckers. With tick populations booming in Ontario, researchers from Brock University are urging everyone to take this growing threat seriously. They're diligently monitoring local tick populations and testing them for dangerous pathogens that can transmit diseases to both humans and pets.

"Tick research is incredibly challenging due to their elusive nature," says Nick Benton, a PhD student in Biological Sciences. "Understanding the abundance of ticks and whether they're spreading specific pathogens is crucial for assessing the risk to the community. As tick ranges expand, so does the potential for disease.

Meet the Menaces: Blacklegged Ticks!

The research team, led by Benton, is focused on the notorious Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the blacklegged tick or deer tick. This pesky creature can carry Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. With a life cycle that spans two years and includes four stages—eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults—it's no wonder these ticks are hard to spot.

Currently, nymphs, which are particularly small and a major vector for disease, are active. At just the size of poppy seeds, they’re nearly invisible on our skin.

Tick Populations on the Rise!

Fiona Hunter, a medical and veterinary entomologist at Brock, highlights a dramatic increase in tick populations throughout the province. A 2009 study showed a mere four out of thirty sites had blacklegged ticks, but now they can be found virtually everywhere in Niagara.

"This is a significant public health concern," Hunter warns. "These ticks began in southern Ontario and are steadily moving northward, largely fueled by climate change and increasing deer populations. They also breed with rising mouse numbers, creating a perfect storm for tick proliferation.

How to Protect Yourself!

Fortunately, ticks don’t bite immediately, giving you a fighting chance. However, prompt removal is essential. Benton advises that the sooner you remove a tick, the lesser your risk of disease.

"If you can't easily brush a tick off, use tweezers to gently pull it straight out, carefully avoiding damage to the tick's mouthparts," he recommends.

Beyond Lyme Disease: Ticks Carry More!

While Lyme disease is the most recognized tick-borne illness, other possibly fatal pathogens are also being tested for in Hunter's lab, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Powassan virus, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever—each with its own terrifying potential.

"These pathogens can lead to severe symptoms or death if untreated," Benton warns. "By raising awareness, we aim to inform the community about the risks associated with tick bites.

Research Outcomes on the Horizon!

Expected to conclude by mid-summer, the tick research will lead to vital community outreach. "We want to empower people with knowledge of the risks within their environment," Benton insists. "This work combines my love for entomology with the goal of community safety."

Stay alert and protect yourself this tick season—the risks are real, but with awareness and prevention, you can enjoy the outdoors worry-free!