Tall grass and wooded areas may house some unwanted guests! Ticks are becoming more common across Nova Scotia, and while only one type carries the bacteria and viruses that cause disease, it is important to take precautions. A few tips to reduce your risk:

• Wear long pants and long sleeves in areas likely to have ticks
• Wear light coloured clothing – its easier to see ticks
• Wear enclosed shoes and tuck your pants into your socks
• Apply insect repellents containing DEET or Icaridin to exposed skin and clothes. Follow directions on the package carefully.
• Make tick-checks part of your daily routine (and don’t forget pets who spend time outside).
• Having a bath or shower within two hours of coming inside makes it easier to spot ticks and wash off loose ticks

If a ball lands in the tall grass during practice or a game, please ask someone wearing pants to retrieve it. Tuck your pant legs into your socks if possible. For information on how to check for ticks, and how to remove them, visit the Nova Scotia Tick Safety website.