LETHBRIDGE – We traditionally believe that ticks peak in the summer months, but in recent weeks, the Helen Schuler Nature Centre has spotted the pests.
The centre has received a number of calls from citizens who have already found ticks on their clothing after walking in the coulées.
“We had about three or four phone calls in the past week letting us know that they found ticks on their pant legs when they were out walking,” Jessica Deacon-Rogers, with the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, said.
Southern Alberta is experiencing one of the warmest winters on record, creating ideal conditions for ticks.
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“We like to let the public know when we start seeing ticks because one of the best ways to not be bitten by a tick is to know they’re out and check your clothing,” Deacon-Rogers said.
Avid walkers who frequent the coulées admit ticks are not something they think about this time of year.
“Typically I don’t check for ticks, especially this time of year,” Tina Bonetti said.
Deacon-Rogers said ticks are typically found in wooded area or along trails, but not usually in trees. She said ticks wait on blades of grass or shrubs for a warm host to pass by.
“Anywhere there is long grass along the trails and brushing along your legs.
“It’s important this time of year to check on a regular basis – about every 20 minutes or so,” Deacon-Rogers explained. “Check around your ankles, socks, shoes and pant legs. They can also be found just along peoples hairlines.”
Deacon-Rogers said it can take up to 24-48 hours for a tick to transmit the agent that causes Lyme disease, but the ticks found in the river bottom – called the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick – do not carry Lyme disease.