Lyme Disease Prevention
How can Lyme disease be prevented?
The best way to protect against Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites. Check this detailed table and map to find out where Lyme-infected ticks are confirmed to be found. Remember, as tick populations grow, Lyme disease can be acquired outside these areas. Here are some ways to protect yourself if you venture into forests or overgrown areas:
- wear closed-toe shoes, long-sleeved shirts and pants
- pull socks over pant legs
- wear light coloured clothes to spot ticks easier
- use insect repellent containing DEET (active ingredient to keep bugs away) or Icaridin (always follow directions)
- shower or bathe within two hours of being outdoors to wash away loose ticks
- do daily "full body" check for ticks on yourself, children and pets
The Public Health Agency of Canada encourages you to keep your lawn and yard well maintained (mow and rake frequently). This will prevent ticks from living near your home.
Ticks attach themselves to the skin. Removing them within 24-36 hours usually prevents infection.
Both MEC http://www.mec.ca/shop/?q=tick%20removal and Lee Valley Tools http://www.leevalley.com/en/home/Search.aspx?action=n market Tick removal systems