600CKAT

A bug expert says even people in Northern Ontario should cover up bare skin if they’re walking through bush or tall grass, to avoid ticks that cause Lyme disease. Dr. Curtis Russell says while these black-legged ticks are most common in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario, they make their way north as well, including the North Bay area.   Dr. Russell says the Lyme-carrying ticks are highly prevalent as well in the northeastern United States, so travellers beware.   Meantime, Ontario’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Arlene King says there are ways to prevent ticks from attaching themselves.  She points to wearing pants tucked into your socks and long-sleeved shirts, and using insect repellent with DEET.