Make Tick Checks Part of Your Routine

Spring is here, and with it warmer temperatures and more time outside.

Tick populations are growing in a number of areas of Nova Scotia. It is important to protect yourself and your family from ticks while enjoying the outdoors.

“Just as we apply sunscreen to protect from the sun’s harmful rays, it’s just as important to protect ourselves from tick bites,” says Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health. “Be tick-aware while you’re outside, and diligent about tick checks.”

Ticks live in or near woods, shrubs and long grass. They are very small, which makes them hard to spot and their bites are painless.

There are several ways to prevent or reduce contact with ticks, including wearing light colored clothing and enclosed shoes, ensuring skin is covered, and wearing insect repellant with DEET or Icaridin.

It is also important to do a thorough tick check within two hours after outdoor activities.
Ticks like warm places on the body. Remember to check:
— around ears
— behind knees
— in the hair
— between the legs and in the groin area
— around the waist

Tick checks help prevent tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease. Removing ticks as soon as possible can prevent or reduce the risk of infection.

For more information, visit novascotia.ca/ticksafety .

.

Source: Media Release