Preventative measures can reduce tick risk on P.E.I., experts say

With summer around the corner, experts are reminding Prince Edward Islanders to stay vigilant about tick safety. 

April, May and June mark the high season for ticks, said Christine Noronha, an entomologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. 

"We don't know how many there's going to be, but they are definitely here," Noronha said.

There are a few different species of ticks on P.E.I., but it's the black-legged tick — also known as the deer tick — that can carry Lyme disease. 

Early symptoms include a rash, fever, headache and fatigue. 

Although more tick sightings have been reported on the Island in recent years, the Department of Health and Wellness said rates of Lyme disease have stayed roughly the same since 2023, with about three cases per 100,000 people. 

There were two lab-confirmed cases of Lyme disease in the province in 2024. 

In comparison, Nova Scotia had the highest rate in the country in 2023, with 194 cases per 100,000 people. 

The risk of contracting Lyme disease from a tick on P.E.I. is low, but the province said precautions should still be taken in wooded areas. 

Tick tips

When spending time outdoors — especially in areas with tall grass — Noronha identified some safety tips to reduce the risk of getting bitten by a tick. 

"It's very important to wear long pants and pull your socks over your pants, and also have long sleeve shirts on," Noronha said.

She also recommended using DEET-based repellent.

Take tick precautions, but Lyme disease rates remain quite low on Prince Edward Island

2 days ago

Duration 2:12

More and more ticks have been catching a ride into the province of P.E.I. over the last few years. Ticks have been known to attach themselves to human skin, as well as hop onto furry pets, but medical experts say it’s not causing a big jump in Lyme disease rates so far. CBC's Tony Davis reports. CORRECTION: A previous version of this story, based on information provided by P.E.I.'s Health and Wellness Department, said people can bring ticks to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital for analysis. In fact, the hospital has not provided that service since 2021.

Even with those precautions, it's important to check yourself for signs of ticks since they can crawl under clothing, Noronha said. 

If you do spot a tick, the best thing to do is identify it, she said. 

The best way to do that is by using the eTick app, which can identify ticks based on photo submissions. The app will let users know if the tick in the photo has been identified as a black-legged tick.

Step-by-step instructions for how to use the app, as well as further information about Lyme disease, can be found on the provincial government's website. 

Protecting pets

It's not just humans that are at risk of tick bites and infections. The insects can also latch onto and infect pets, said Tasha Clark, the vice-president of the P.E.I. Veterinary Medical Association. 

"The good news is that Lyme disease would not be directly transmitted between our pets and ourselves," Clark said. 

"But obviously if the ticks are coming into the house on your pets then they have an increased likelihood of potentially coming in and attaching to you as well."

Lyme disease can vary in how it affects animals, but the most common symptoms include fever, lethargy, lameness and joint pain, Clark said, noting that more serious cases could result in outcomes like kidney failure. 

Pet owners should be checking their animals — and themselves —- for ticks on a daily basis, Clark said.