Removing and Submitting Ticks for Identification

Removing a tick

1. With fine tip tweezers, grasp the tick's head as close to the skin as possible
2. Slowly pull the tick away from the skin until it releases. Do not twist or crush the tick. Ensure all the mouth parts have been removed, otherwise the bite can become infected.
3. After removing the tick, wash the area with soap and water

Submit a tick for identification

• Thorold / St. Catharines, 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way
• Niagara Falls, 7835 McLeod Rd.
• Welland, 200 Division St.

For information, call 905-688-8248 ext. 7590.

Ticks submitted for identification are not tested for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.

There is no cost for tick identification.

Blacklegged ticks

If a blacklegged tick is identified, staff will consult with you on next steps.

In Niagara, blacklegged ticks have often been found in the Wainfleet bog, Mud Lake in Port Colborne and 12 Mile Creek Trail in St. Catharines. However, it is possible to find blacklegged ticks outside of these areas too.

Remember to protect yourself no matter what area you're in.

Public Health

Ticks and Lyme Disease

• Tick Identification
• Remove / Identify a Tick
• Tick Identification Results
• Lyme Disease Stats in Niagara