The provincial health authority wants Nova Scotians to be 'tick aware.'
Blacklegged ticks that can carry Lyme disease are found throughout the province, but the population is higher in Yarmouth and Shelburne Counties, among other areas.
Medical Officer of Health Dr. Lynda Earle says the tick population has increased over the last number of years, but that shouldn't stop us from enjoying the outdoors.
"I think the reality for us, living in Nova Scotia we need to deal with the presence of ticks in our environment and not let that stop us from getting outside, enjoying nature and being active because we know that is so important for our health."
Some ways to keep ticks off include wearing light coloured clothing and long sleeves, wearing enclosed shoes, pulling up your socks over your pant-legs and spraying insect repellent and keeping your lawn mowed regularly.
Removing a tick safely involves grasping it with tweezers as close to the skin as possible, and gently and slowly pulling the tick out.
Dr. Earle says bathing or showering shortly after being outside can help wash away loose ticks.
— Health & Wellness (@nshealth) May 18, 2017