Southwestern Public Health has some tips to help you protect yourself from ticks.
OXFORD COUNTY - Now that the warmer weather has arrived, so have the ticks.
Southwestern Public Health is reminding people of simple steps they can take to significantly reduce the risk of bites and illnesses from ticks. Blacklegged ticks can cause infections such as Lyme disease, and the Public Health has seen a steady increase in Lyme disease cases between 2023 and last year. The local health unit reported 32 Lyme disease cases in 2023, 36 in 2024, and 45 cases in 2025, a sharp increase compared with just four reported cases in 2020.
Manager of Environmental Health, Kitty Chan says there has been a growing concern about ticks.
"We are seeing more ticks in our communities and more reports of tick bites, often right at home. As our climate continues to warm, ticks are active for longer periods each year, which means people need to think about tick protection any time they are outdoors."
She adds people need to know where ticks can be.
"One of the biggest misconceptions is that ticks are only a concern in deep woods. For nearly half of the Lyme disease cases we saw in 2025, the suspected exposure happened in their own backyard. That’s why daily prevention and tick checks are so important."
Ticks are most often found in shady, damp, and grassy areas such as wooded spaces, tall grasses, shrubs, and leaf litter. People should check their bodies for ticks every time they come indoors, especially around the neck, ears, underarms, and groin. Showering and towel drying after outdoor activities can help remove ticks before they attach.
If you want more information regarding ticks and what you should do if you encounter a tick bite, you can click here.
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