The health unit is reminding all hunters to be Tick Smart.
The mild weather has the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit reminding all hunters that ticks are quite active.
Going into the woods and brush puts hunters at a higher risk. That means a tick bite could leave them with Lyme disease.
While they say enjoy the benefits being outdoors provides, you have take precautions.
Taking the following precautions will help to reduce your risk:
Use an insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin. You can apply this to clothing or your skin.
Do a tick check when you return inside. If possible have someone check you from behind. Check pets for ticks as well.
Put your outdoor clothes in a hot dryer for several minutes to kill ticks.
Take a shower to help remove any unattached ticks.
Speak to your vet about ways to protect your pets.
Ticks that are removed quickly and have been attached for less than 24 hours are not likely to transfer the bacteria that causes Lyme disease.
For more information about ticks and Lyme disease: visit the health unit’s Insect Bites and Diseases section of their website or call 1-800-660-5853. You can also e-mail contact@heathunit.org or connect with @LGLHealthUnit on Facebook and Twitter or @lglhealthunit.z on Instagram.
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