In humans, it can cause fever, chills, aches, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, facial paralysis, and permanent damage to organs in the body. Lyme disease is a serious illness if contracted. The black-legged tick transmits a bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria responsible for causing lyme disease. Further, ticks can transmit a number of concerning diseases, most notably Lyme disease. Why they are of concern: Tick bites are not uncomfortable as they instill a numbing substance when they bite. They come out even through the snow when the sun warms the area, and will feed and go back to the leaf litter when the temperature drops. When they are found: Ticks are especially prevalent in Ontario from May to November, but are found year round as they can survive near-freezing temperatures by burrowing deep in the leaf litter to stay warm. Where they are found: While it is often said that ticks are only found in wooded or highly grassy areas THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE! Ticks, like fleas, are found wherever you can find wildlife, meaning they can be found anywhere outside in Ontario, including downtown Kitchener (we have personally seen an incidence of a tick bite in downtown Kitchener that led to Lyme disease!). There are many species of ticks, however those most commonly seen in Ontario are the black-legged tick (transmitter of Lyme disease) and the dog-tick. They feed from many wildlife species, dogs, cats, and humans. They are parasitic, and bite their hosts in order to consume their blood. What they are: Ticks are arachnids, relatives of the spider and the scorpion.
Fleas do not limit their bite to wildlife and pets, but use humans as hosts as well. 2) fleas transmit diseases/parasites including tapeworm and typhus. Not only does this cause itchiness and discomfort, but it can cause anemia due to blood loss - especially in smaller pets. 1) they bite in order to feed on blood from their hosts, leaving itchy, swollen bumps behind. Why they are of concern: Fleas are of concern for a number of reasons. We define flea season as the first thaw to the first frost that stays. Incidences of fleas are increasing as Ontario winters become milder. When they are found: Peak flea ‘season’ is said to be between August and October, however they can be found year-round, even in the winter. Fleas live in the environment and only spend 5% of their time on an animal. Where they are found: Fleas are found throughout Ontario - not just in wooded or wild areas, but anywhere they can find warm bodies to feed on! This means it is very possible to come across fleas in our own backyards, or even in urban areas. What they are: Fleas are small, parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals including cats, dogs, and people and birds.
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