Rising Tick Populations in New Brunswick: Understanding Risk and Climate Impacts

As residents across New Brunswick head outdoors to enjoy the summer season, public health officials are reminding the public that the province is seeing a steady increase in tick populations. While these arachnids are a fixture of the Canadian landscape, their expanding range and density require a proactive approach to personal protection and health monitoring.

Understanding the environmental factors that influence tick behavior—and knowing how to protect yourself—is essential for preventing tick-borne illnesses, such as Lyme disease.

The Relationship Between Climate and Tick Activity

Ticks, particularly the blacklegged tick (*Ixodes scapularis*), rely on specific environmental conditions to thrive. They are sensitive to humidity and temperature. While many assume that a hot, dry summer will eliminate tick populations, the reality is more nuanced.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, ticks are highly susceptible to desiccation (drying out). In periods of extreme heat and low humidity, ticks may retreat into leaf litter, under logs, or into more shaded, moist microclimates to survive. While this may reduce the number of ticks actively “questing” or seeking a host on the tips of tall grasses during the heat of the day, it does not mean the population has disappeared. As soon as temperatures moderate or humidity levels rise, these ticks become active once again.

Why Tick Ranges Are Expanding

The northward expansion of blacklegged ticks is largely attributed to climate change. Milder winters and longer growing seasons allow tick populations to establish themselves in areas where they were previously unable to survive the winter. In New Brunswick, the Department of Health continues to monitor these patterns, noting that as the climate warms, the risk of encountering ticks is no longer confined to specific “hot zones” but is becoming a province-wide concern.

Key Takeaways for Public Safety

• Geographic Spread: Ticks are now found in virtually all regions of New Brunswick. assume they are present in wooded or tall-grass areas.
• Not Just a Spring Issue: While peak activity often occurs in spring and fall, ticks remain active throughout the summer months.
• Microclimate Matters: Ticks prefer moist, shady environments. Be extra cautious when walking through leaf litter or transition zones between forests and fields.

Effective Prevention Strategies

You don’t have to avoid the outdoors to stay safe. Implementing a few evidence-based habits can significantly reduce your risk of a tick bite:

• Dress the Part: Wear light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and pants. Tucking your pants into your socks creates a barrier that makes it harder for ticks to reach your skin.
• Use Repellents: Apply an insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin to your skin and clothing, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
• Perform Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors, conduct a full-body check on yourself, children, and pets. Pay close attention to warm, hidden areas like the scalp, behind the ears, armpits, and groin.
• Tumble Dry: If you suspect you have been in a high-risk area, place your clothing in a dryer on high heat for at least 10–15 minutes. This is often more effective than washing alone for killing ticks.

What to Do If You Find a Tick

If you discover a tick attached to your skin, prompt removal is critical. The risk of contracting Lyme disease increases the longer an infected tick remains attached, typically requiring 36 to 48 hours of attachment to transmit the bacteria.

Use clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

When to Consult a Physician

Monitor the bite site for the next 30 days. If you develop a rash—particularly the characteristic “bullseye” (erythema migrans) rash—or experience flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, or joint pain, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are highly effective in preventing long-term complications from Lyme disease.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or tick bite.