If you’re spending time outdoors this summer—especially in tall grass or wooded areas—check your legs, arms, and back when you get home. A new report presented to Halton Regional Council on July 9 shows a significant increase in the number of blacklegged ticks carrying Lyme disease in the region.

The message is simple: tick season is here, and it’s getting worse.

Tick Positivity Rates Have Spiked

Halton Region conducts tick dragging surveillance twice a year, pulling cloths through grassy and wooded areas to capture and test ticks for Lyme disease. The numbers show a steep increase in recent years:

• 2022: 73 ticks collected, 5 positive (6.8%)

• 2023: 143 ticks collected, 24 positive (16.7%)

• 2024: 112 ticks collected, 30 positive (26.8%)

• Spring 2025: 61 ticks collected, 23 positive (37.7%)

That last figure is the most alarming—over one-third of all ticks collected this spring tested positive for Lyme.

What the Region Is Saying

Councillor Rory Nisan of Burlington raised concerns about whether more can be done. “All the data is showing that things are worse,” he said. “Is there anything more we could be doing given the significant increase and the dangers?”

Dr. Deepika Lobo, Halton’s Commissioner and Medical Officer of Health, confirmed that while surveillance and education efforts are ongoing, the increase in tick populations is largely tied to climate change, and there are limits to what public health can do beyond awareness and prevention. She noted the hope that a Lyme disease vaccine may eventually become available.

Personal Prevention is Key

While there's no quick regional fix, residents are encouraged to take personal precautions:

• Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking or working in the yard

• Use insect repellent containing DEET or icaridin

• Check your body, kids, and pets after outdoor activities

• Shower promptly after spending time outside

• Keep lawns trimmed and clear brush near your home

Public Health also maintains an online tick resource page that includes removal guides, prevention tips, and advice on how to reduce tick populations around your property.

More Than Just Lyme Disease

Lyme disease isn’t the only concern. As of 2023, Ontario added anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and powassan virus to its list of reportable tick-borne illnesses. While no human cases have been confirmed in Halton yet, the inclusion signals growing concern across the province.

A Community Concern

Councillor Paul Sharman, also of Burlington, echoed the urgency. “I know so many people who have been bitten... who have become seriously ill by these things. It’s not something anybody wants.” He added that he personally found a tick on his back after walking through his garden.

Bottom line: Ticks are becoming more common in Halton, and more of them are carrying disease. Take care when you're outdoors, and know what to look for.

For more local updates, health alerts, and seasonal tips, follow @burlington365. To connect with our local community in real life, join The Burlington Club.