Although the risk of humans being infected is low, the public health department of the City of Hamilton is working to deal with their new designation as a Lyme disease risk area.

Ticks carrying Lyme disease are breeding in the area, as not just being transferred by birds. According to an article in the Hamilton Spectator, all areas of the city are at risk outside of Stoney Creek and Glanbrook.

 

The disease carrying ticks must be black legged and feed on their host for a minimum of 24 hours. They tend to frequent areas that are wooded, with tall grass, and even on your front lawn as birds are also reported to be transferring them to residential areas.

 

Visit your local walk-in clinic if you find ticks on yourself, a pet and be sure to seal them in a plastic bag to take with you.

 

Tips for avoiding ticks:

Long pants and sleeves.

Light-coloured clothing

Insect repellent with DEET or icaridin.

Shower to remove ticks after spending time in a wooded area

Check yourself, your children and pets for ticks

Remove any ticks found, immediately

Tips to protect your property:

Keep your lawn well maintained

Make sure there aren’t any leaves, brush or weeds sitting at the edge

Make way for more sunlight by trimming branches and shrubs

Keep swings and sandboxes away from the edge of your lawn; a further step is to place them on a foundation made from wood chips or mulch

Keep rodents, deer and birds out.

(Image taken from Facebook)