We are just days away from the first day of spring; and outdoor enthusiasts are ready for warm weather to camp, hike and garden. However, with warmer weather comes an influx of wildlife that will drop ticks on the ground. And, some ticks (not all) carry tick diseases such as Lyme Disease. 

Ticks are common throughout most provinces in Canada including:

1) Southern British Columbia
2) Southeastern and South-central Manitoba
3) Southern Quebec
4) Southern, Eastern and Western Ontario
5) Parts of Nova Scotia
6) Southern New Brunswick and Grand Manan Island

As long as the weather stays above freezing, the potential for a tick bite is present. Outdoor enthusiasts will need to do the following while outside for long periods of time:

• Spray clothes with tick repellents - especially around the ankles since ticks climb not jump or fly.
• Wear bright, long-sleeve clothing to easily spot a Black-legged tick or other tick species;
• Carry tick remover tools for easy tick removal. 
• Perform full body checks after outdoor activity.

Should a tick be attached, do not rip out the tick. Leaving partial embedded ticks can spread diseases. Sanitize the skin prior to pulling and pull the tick straight up and do not twist.