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Tick, Mosquito & Animal Bites

Ticks

  • Beware of deer ticks or the blacklegged tick as they can carry tick-borne diseases including Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis.
  • Ticks are active at temperatures of 4°C and above. They can be active any season, but especially in spring, summer and fall.
  • The best way to avoid tick-borne diseases is to avoid ticks. Ticks are found in tall grasses, wooded areas and under leaf litter. But they can also be found in urban areas such as city parks and green spaces. Stick to trails and pathways when possible.
  • Wear light-coloured clothing, long pants and long-sleeved shirts as well as closed toe shoes and socks to cover up skin. Tuck your shirt into your pants and your pants into your socks to make it difficult to a tick to attach to your skin.
  • Apply a repellent that indicates it is “for use against ticks” as appropriate.
  • Perform a “tick check” after being outdoors and remove any ticks, if found, as soon as possible.
  • Find a tick?  You can submit an image of the tick for identification using the eTick website or free mobile application downloaded through Google Play or App Store.
  • For more information, visit: Prevention of Tick-Borne Diseases | Health | Province of Manitoba (gov.mb.ca)

Mosquitoes

  • Bites from mosquitoes can by itchy and annoying, but did you know that mosquitos can also carry and transmit West Nile Virus, a disease that can cause severe illness?
  • Prevent mosquito bites by:
    • Wearing light coloured, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves and pant legs while outdoors
    • Utilize insect repellents that are Health Canada approved, as appropriate.
    • Reduce time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn
    • Reduce mosquito habitats around your home by reducing areas of still water, i.e., bird baths, wading pools, buckets of standing water, ponds etc. Keep rain barrels covered.
    • Keep grass mowed and vegetation trimmed
    • Ensure window and door screens are well maintained and intact.
  • For more information visit: West Nile Virus | Health | Province of Manitoba (gov.mb.ca)

Animals

  • As the weather gets warmer, so does the increase in reports of animal bites to Public Health. In the City of Winnipeg, the risk for rabies in most domesticated animals is low. Rabies Surveillance Data | Health | Province of Manitoba (gov.mb.ca)
  • Many animal bites are preventable. Prevention strategies include:
    • Practice responsible pet ownership by ensuring your property is well-maintained so your pet cannot escape, keep your pet up to date with rabies vaccine, and ensure that you have control over your pet when others are around and on a leash when required. Spay/neuter your pet as this has been shown to reduce aggressive tendencies. Seek the advice of an appropriate professional if your pet has aggressive or concerning behavior.
    • STOP. PAWS. THINK… Should I touch this animal?
      • Always ask owners from permission prior to petting their animal.
      • Avoid touching wild, stray or unknown animals. Call 311 for assistance from Animal Services if needed.
      • Do not approach an animal that is eating, sleeping or caring for its young.
      • Understand animal behavior and alert yourself to signs of stress and aggression in an animal.
    • Never leave small children unattended in the presence of animals.
    • If threatened by a dog, stand your ground, stay calm and avoid eye contact, do not turn your back or run away. Try to put an object, i.e., coat, backpack, purse etc., between you and the dog.
    • If you are knocked down, curl up in an ball and cover your head and neck.
    • If you are bitten by an animal/your pet bites someone, exchange contact information i.e., name, phone number, and address, this can greatly assist Public Health when following up. If the incident is severe, do not euthanize your pet prior to being contacted by Public Health. Contact your health care provider to make sure you are up to date on Tetanus vaccination and to have the injury looked at and treated.
    • To report an animal bite, please call Health Links at 204-788-8200/1-888-315-9257
    • For more information visit: Rabies | Health | Province of Manitoba (gov.mb.ca)
Date modified: 2025-06-25