Ticks creeping out in Kamloops despite cool weather

Mar 28, 2017 | 5:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — After a lengthy winter that is still trying to hang on in Kamloops, walking trails aren’t as busy as usual at this time of year. 

But the cooler temperatures aren’t keeping the ticks away. The little creatures have been out for a couple weeks now.

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“Absolutely shocked, yes,” said Brent Kay, who was walking his dog Tuesday in Kenna Cartwright Park. “It’s still 3 at night. It’s too cold for ticks for sure. That’s a summer thing as far as I’m concerned.” 

But it is end of March after all, and wildlife experts say the ticks have been out for a bit.

“We’re pretty much on schedule,” said WildSafe BC coordinator Frank Ritcey. “It’s usually in March we start getting reports of ticks, but because it’s been so cool, not as many people have been out hiking around.”

Ritcey suggests stay out of bushy areas, where ticks often are. 

“The ticks are waiting on the grass and the sagebrush down low,” he noted. “As you brush by then, they grab on you and climb up. So if you stay on the wide trail, less chance of getting a tick.”

Scott Johnston and his dog are often out for hikes. He’s had a tick before, just not here. 

“I was actually hiking in Santa Barbara a number of years ago and got a tick,” he said. “It got under a bit and it was a pain to get out, and you’re always worried, did you get the whole thing out.”

Johnston tries to wear long pants if he can. But he’s not always thinking about ticks. 

“Most of the time. The problem is, with the dog, you’re out quite often, so sometimes you’re not always thinking about it. I live up in Sun Peaks, so I’m out on the trails quite a bit, like a couple times a day.”

Ritcey advises you check for ticks if you’ve been in areas where they could be present.