Tick Rumour Debunked
Ontario Province Finds No Evidence Supporting Rumours of Pilots Dropping Ticks on Farms
Anonymous
A rumour spreading across Ontario claims that pilots are being paid to drop boxes of ticks onto farm fields from aircraft. The province has pushed back hard, saying there is no evidence to support the claim, according to Durham Region.
The story first appeared in May, when an anonymous poster claimed to work for a private company hired to do the drops. Authorities say the rumour is false and are urging the public not to spread it further.
Rumour of Tick Drops Spreads Across Ontario
The claim spread quickly on social media. An anonymous poster said pilots were being paid to release ticks over farm fields. No name, no company, and no proof were ever provided. Durham Region reported that the story was debunked shortly after it gained traction online.
Ticks are already a growing concern in Ontario. But experts say ticks spread naturally through animals like deer and birds. There is no need — and no evidence — that anyone is releasing them on purpose.
Province Steps In to Set the Record Straight
Ontario officials came out directly against the rumour. The province stated clearly that there is no evidence any such program exists. No government agency and no private company has been linked to the claim, according to Waterloo Chronicle.
Officials are worried that false stories like this one can cause real harm. They can make people distrust legitimate pest control work. They can also distract from real tick-safety advice that farmers and families need.
Why Tick Fears Are Real Even Without the Rumour
Tick populations have been rising across Ontario in recent years. The black-legged tick, which can carry Lyme disease, has expanded its range northward. Public health officials have long warned residents to check for ticks after spending time outdoors.
Farmers in particular face higher exposure. Fields and wooded edges are prime tick habitat. Health officials say wearing long sleeves, using repellent, and doing tick checks after outdoor work are the best ways to stay safe, according to Guelph Mercury.
Misinformation Adds Noise to a Real Public Health Issue
False claims about deliberate tick releases are not new. Similar rumours have appeared in the United States and Europe. None have ever been proven. Experts say these stories often spread because ticks are genuinely scary and not well understood by the public.
North Bay Nipissing noted that the spread of misinformation makes it harder for health officials to do their jobs. When people believe false stories, they may ignore real warnings. Officials are asking residents to check trusted sources before sharing tick-related claims online.
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