Check for Ticks After Park Visits
The B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has identified the Comox Valley as a high-risk area for encountering a tick carrying bacteria that can lead to Lyme disease. In British Columbia the western black-legged tick Ixodes pacificus poses the biggest threat of carrying it. Recent studies of ticks collected in B.C. found less than one per cent were infected with the bacterium - Borrelia burgdorferi. The greatest risk of tick bite occurs during the spring and summer. Ticks live in tall grass and forested areas and latch on to people or animals as they pass by. They burrow part way into the skin, bite, draw blood, and then drop off.
The first step in dealing with ticks is prevention:
- Wear insect repellents authorized by Health Canada.
- Put on a light-coloured, long-sleeved shirt.
- Tuck your pants into your socks.
- Shower when you get home to prevent a tick from latching.
Learn more about the risk of ticks and how to deal with a bite:
Fact Sheet : Ticks in a changing environment by Dr. Negar Elmieh
How climate and land use change can increase tick density (Nov 2022 research update)
Lyme risk mapping for Island and BC
CBC News: high-risk areas for ticks in BC highlighted in new online map
Tread Lightly
Please remember that our parks protect all native plants, animals, and their homes. This includes rocks, sand, driftwood, and shells. Dumping of yard waste and fill in a park is unlawful, destructive to natural ecosystems, and expensive to clean up. Using park garbage cans for household waste or to get rid of large bags of garbage is also not permitted.
Park Invasives
We are monitoring Eastern Grey Squirrels. Grey squirrels are an introduced species that may pose a threat to native squirrels and birds.
We are asking park visitors to report sightings to allow us to:
- map the current distribution
- determine the spread of these species
- determine if action is required to protect native species.
If you spot a big bushy squirrel please contact us:
Fill out our online form or call 250-334-6000 or toll-free: 1-800-331-6007.