Summer-time is the perfect time to be outside, and bush-whacking is a great childhood activity. Kids love getting out there and exploring the woods, building forts, picking up sticks…but there is one danger out there to be aware of. Ticks! They’re small but carry many diseases.
If you’re in an area with wild deer, be especially careful, as theses ticks often carry Lyme Disease. Tick checks are one of the ways you can prevent Lyme disease and other infections spread by ticks.
where to check for ticks
Check yours and your child’s entire body, especially:
- head and hair
- in and around the ears
- under the arms
- back (use a mirror or ask for help)
- waist
- belly button
- around the groin
- legs
- behind the knees
- between the toes
Don’t forget to also check your pets!
What to look for?
Feel for bumps and look for tiny dark spots. Look carefully, most ticks are very small!
- Nymph (around 1.15 mm)
- Adult male (around 2 mm)
- Adult female (around 3 mm)
- Fed adult female (up to 1 cm)
Found a tick? Remove it immediately to reduce the risk of infection. Canada.ca/LymeDisease
