Tick Specifics

Every spring ticks come out, adding to the list of fauna that can be experienced in the Canadian Rockies. Ticks look like a small flattened spider, they have eight legs and two body segments. One tick can fit quite comfortably on a dime. The pests appear harmless enough and usually are, but they can transmit disease - albeit very rare ones. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Lymes' Disease are both carried by ticks. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is so rare in that there hasn't been a case reported for years, and to date there is no record of Lymes' Disease in the Canadian Rockies.

Just to be safe it is a good idea to wear gaiters in spring so the ticks cannot reach up the body. Any mosquito repellent containing Deet also helps repel the ticks. During the spring season do a full body search at the end of the day to look for ticks. Check everywhere - the neck, arm pits and groin are favorite hiding places.

If you find a tick imbedded in your skin don't panic. Gently but firmly pull the tick out with your fingers. If any parts remain use tweezers or a pin to remove them. Use an antiseptic to clean the wound. Applying a hot match to the tick or rubbing the tick with gasoline is not recomended as this can enhance the risk of infection.Seek medical advice at a local clinic or hospital if:

• There is any skin swelling around the tick.
• The tick is too well attached for you to feel comfortable removing it.
• The skin has swollen around the head making removal difficult.
• If you are unable to remove all of the tick and some remains.

In rare cases ticks can cause tick paralysis. Victims experience fatigue and weakness in the arms and legs. Once the tick has been removed all symptoms usually disappear within two to three days.