Tick season has arrived in Windsor-Essex

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Tick season has arrived in Windsor-Essex, and local health officials are reminding residents to take precautions.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit states that ticks can spread several illnesses, most commonly Lyme disease.

Blacklegged ticks - also known as deer ticks - are responsible for spreading the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

According to the health unit, Lyme disease cases have steadily increased in recent years. A record 17 people tested positive in 2024, followed by 14 confirmed cases in 2025. So far in 2026, one case was confirmed in April.

Health officials state there are ways to protect yourself, such as avoiding tall grass; wearing long sleeves and pants; tucking pant legs into socks; and showering within two hours of outdoor activity.

Elaine Bennett, Manager of Environmental Health at WECHU, says there are ways to protect yourself.

“Very important for the public when you’re going outside to wear insect repellent with DEET. If you’re walking in a wooded, grassy area where there’s a path... stay to the middle of the path. Wear light coloured clothing, as well as making sure that you’re doing a full body check before going indoors.”

She says if a tick is found attached to the body, it should be removed carefully and as soon as it is noticed.

“Hopefully it’s less than 24 hours from the time that they would’ve been outside to get that tick on them. Use a tick key to remove, and make sure not to squeeze and twist, we don’t want that bacteria to be left inside the body... gently and smoothly pull the full tick out - including the head.”

She says photos of ticks can be submitted online.

“Send it to eTick.ca, they’ll look at the picture, determine whether it’s a blacklegged tick or a deer tick, and if it is a blacklegged tick they’ll ask for you to submit it.”

Bennett also stresses the importance of looking over your pets to ensure they are tick-free.

Bennett says their annual tick dragging was delayed due to weather but will occur by the end of the month.

If you do find a tick on your body, remove it carefully, and then gently wash the bite with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

If the tick has been on your body for longer than 24 hours, it’s recommended that you contact your health care provider.