Manitoba’s tick season is starting earlier than usual this year, with blacklegged ticks already showing up in provincial surveillance — weeks ahead of the typical schedule.
Warmer-than-normal spring weather and low snow cover have created ideal conditions for ticks to become active sooner than expected. Manitoba Health Surveillance says this early emergence is a clear signal for residents to begin daily tick checks, especially after spending time outdoors.
When tick season normally starts — and how long it lasts
Under typical conditions, tick season in southern Manitoba begins in late April or early May, when temperatures consistently rise above 4°C. But this year, veterinarians reported finding ticks on pets as early as March, roughly 10 days earlier than last spring.
Tick activity usually continues through November, or until the first permanent snowfall.
The two main tick species in Manitoba
Manitoba is home to several tick species, but two dominate:
Blacklegged ticks (deer ticks) — the species of greatest concern because they can transmit Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis to humans and pets. They prefer shaded, humid areas, such as forests, leaf litter, and dense vegetation.
Black legged ticks.
Photo credit: Flickr
American dog ticks (wood ticks) — far more common in open, sunny areas with grasses and shrubs. They do not transmit Lyme disease but can still bite humans and animals.
Wood tick.
Photo credit: Flickr
Where ticks are most prevalent:
Tall grass and brush
Forest edges and wooded trails
Leaf litter and shaded ground cover
Field edges and pastures
Experts warn that even short walks through grass or along trail edges can be enough for ticks to latch on.
A reminder for pet owners
Veterinarians say dogs are already picking up ticks this spring, prompting clinics to send home tick prevention medication earlier than usual.
Pet owners should check their animals daily — especially around the ears, neck, armpits, and between the toes — and avoid high-risk areas when possible.
Bottom line
With blacklegged ticks active weeks ahead of schedule, Manitobans should begin tick precautions now: wear long clothing, use repellent, avoid tall grass, and perform thorough tick checks after any time outdoors.
