Tips and tricks to avoid ticks

May 14, 2026

Media Release, Media Relations, Saskatchewan Health Authority

Key points from this story:

• Peak tick activity in May and June
• Dermacentor species common in spring
• Risks higher in tall grass and brush
• Ticks retreat underground in July and August
• Blacklegged ticks can carry Lyme disease
• Remove ticks using tweezers and photograph

Saskatchewan residents are being reminded to take precautions to reduce their risk of exposure to ticks.

Tick bites occur most often from early spring to fall. In Saskatchewan, the most common tick species in spring and early summer are Dermacentor species--namely the American dog tick and the Rocky Mountain wood tick. These ticks typically become active at this time of year, with peak activity occurring in May and June. The risks are higher in areas with tall grass, brush, and wooded areas, and during activities with longer-term exposure in these environments like camping, hiking, or hunting. As temperatures rise in July and August, their activity declines as they retreat underground.

"You can take simple steps to prevent and manage tick bites before and after going outdoors. While most tick bites don't cause diseases, blacklegged ticks may cause Lyme and other tick-borne diseases and are showing up in places they haven't before," said Dr. Simon Kapaj, a SHA Medical Health Officer. "You can protect yourself and your family against tick and insect bites by following simple measures when you spend time in an area where ticks may live."

People with pets who are active in tall grass, brush, and wooded areas should be especially aware to monitor for ticks. Here are simple things you can do to reduce your exposure to ticks:

• Wear pants, long-sleeved shirts, and shoes that don't show your bare feet.
• Tuck your pant legs into your socks to prevent ticks from crawling up your legs.
• Wear light-coloured clothes so ticks can be easily seen.
• Put on bug spray with DEET or Icaridin. Re-apply as directed on the product
• Stay on paths and avoid contact with tall grass and overgrown brush when hiking.
• Check yourself, children, and pets for ticks after being outside.
• Shower or bathe as soon as possible after being outside to wash off loose ticks.
• Regularly check household pets which go into tall grass and wooded areas.
• Remove any ticks you find using tweezers. Take a photo of it and send it to eTick.ca (www.etick.ca)

View the full public service announcement on the Saskatchewan Health Authority website.