You don’t want a bull’s – eye

This bull’s – eye is caused by Lyme Disease. Blacklegged ticks (also known as Deer ticks) can transmit the Lyme disease bacteria.  These ticks can be found in areas with long grass and wooded areas. This tick is also found in southwestern and southern Ontario as well as northern Michigan and New York States.

Never going into areas where ticks are found is the best way to prevent Lyme Disease because often people don’t even know they have been bitten. The reason for this is the female Blacklegged tick fully grown is the size of a pen dot and fully engorged is still very small and difficult to see.

So here are some good outdoor practices:

• Wear light colour cloths
• Tuck pant legs in socks
• Avoid long grass & bush areas if possible
• Use Deet or Icaridin
• Do a full body tick check on pets and children

If you find you have been bit remove tick with tweezers getting the head of the tick and firmly pull.

A few symptoms of Lyme Disease are:

• Rash
• Fever or chills
• Muscle spasms
• Extreme fatigue

If you have any symptoms or get a rash you should seek medical attention.

For more information, go to Government of Canada