Spring is a welcome change for families in Clarington—longer days, greener yards, and more time spent outdoors. But along with the warmer weather comes something less pleasant: tick season. Understanding how to protect your family from ticks in the spring is essential, especially as tick populations continue to grow across Ontario.

This guide will walk you through what Clarington & Durham Region families need to know about tick safety—where ticks live, how to avoid them, and what to do if you find one.

Why Tick Safety Matters in Spring

Many people assume ticks are only active in the summer, but that’s not the case. In Ontario, ticks become active as soon as temperatures rise above freezing—often as early as March or April.

Spring is actually one of the highest-risk times for tick exposure because:

• Ticks are emerging hungry after winter
• People are spending more time outdoors again
• Vegetation is growing, creating ideal tick habitats

Some ticks can carry diseases like Lyme Disease, which can be serious if not treated early. While not every tick carries disease, it’s important to treat every encounter with caution.

Where Ticks Are Common in Clarington

Ticks thrive in environments that provide moisture, shade, and access to hosts (like animals or humans). In Clarington and surrounding Durham Region, you’re most likely to encounter ticks in:

• Wooded areas and forests
• Tall grass and overgrown fields
• Leaf litter and brush piles
• Trails and park edges
• Your own backyard—especially if it borders natural areas & has visiting critters

Ticks don’t jump or fly. Instead, they wait on vegetation and latch onto passing hosts—a behaviour called “questing.”

How to Protect Your Family Outdoors

The good news is that simple precautions can significantly reduce your risk of tick bites.

1. Dress Strategically

When heading into parks, trails, or wooded areas:

• Wear long sleeves and long pants
• Tuck pants into socks to block access points
• Choose light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to spot

2. Use Tick Repellent

Apply a Health Canada-approved insect repellent containing ingredients like DEET or icaridin. These are safe when used as directed and can be very effective.  If you want a more natural option we sell personal products too.  You will need to reapply every 2-3 hours for best results.

3. Stay on Clear Paths

Ticks are more common in tall grass and dense vegetation. When walking or hiking:

• Stick to the center of trails
• Avoid brushing against plants
• Keep kids and pets from wandering into overgrown areas

4. Do a Full Tick Check After Outdoor Time

This is one of the most important habits to build!

After spending time outside:

• Check your entire body, including behind knees, under arms, and in your hair
• Check children carefully (ticks are small and easy to miss)
• Shower within 2 hours if possible
• Put clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10–15 minutes to kill any ticks

Don’t Forget About Your Backyard

Many people assume tick exposure only happens in forests—but your own yard can be a risk zone.

Ticks are often brought in by:

• Deer
• Rodents
• Pets

To make your yard less attractive to ticks:

• Keep grass short and well-maintained
• Remove leaf litter and brush piles
• Create a barrier (like gravel or mulch) between lawns and wooded areas
• Keep play areas in sunny, open spaces

If your property backs onto green space (which is common in Clarington), professional tick control treatments can also be worth considering.  Get a free quote from Mosquito Mom!

Protecting Pets and Kids

Children and pets are especially vulnerable because they spend more time close to the ground.

For Kids:

• Teach them to avoid tall grass and bushes
• Check them thoroughly after outdoor play
• Pay attention to scalp and behind ears

For Pets:

• Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products
• Check them daily, especially after walks
• Pay attention to ears, paws, and under collars

Pets can carry ticks into the home, increasing risk for the whole family.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

Finding a tick can be unsettling, but removing it properly reduces the risk of disease.

Step-by-Step Removal:

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers
2. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible
3. Pull upward steadily—don’t twist
4. Clean the area with soap and water or alcohol

Avoid using methods like burning the tick or applying petroleum jelly—these can actually increase risk.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If the tick has been hosting on you for more than 24-48 hours contact a healthcare provider, or if you notice any of these symptoms:

• A bullseye-shaped rash
• Fever or chills
• Fatigue
• Muscle or joint aches

Early treatment of Lyme Disease is very effective, so it’s better to be cautious.

Spring Tick Safety Starts with Awareness

Tick safety doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does require consistency. By taking a few simple precautions and staying aware, Clarington families can enjoy everything spring has to offer without unnecessary risk.

Whether you’re heading out to local trails, spending weekends in the yard, or just letting the kids play outside, a proactive approach goes a long way.

If you’re noticing increased tick activity around your home, it may be a sign that your property is becoming a habitat. In those cases, combining good yard maintenance with professional support can help create a safer outdoor space for your family.

Staying informed is your best defence. With the right habits in place, you can make the most of spring in Clarington—without letting ticks get in the way.

#NoMoreBuzzingAround
Mosquito Mom