Nova Scotia warns residents of growing tick population as temperatures rise

A sign advising hikers of Ticks is shown on a trail in the woods in the Eastern Townships west of Montreal, Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)

The Nova Scotia government is warning residents to be cautious of the growing tick population.

As temperatures rise, so too does the amount of ticks. That’s why the province says it’s more important than ever to protect yourself, your family and pets.

“Ticks are not just a nuisance, they carry serious diseases,” said Provincial Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Cram in a news release.

“That’s why it’s important to take simple precautions like using insect repellants before you spend time outdoors and checking for ticks on your body daily.”

Ticks like moist and humid environments and can often be found in areas of high vegetation such as tall grass, shrubs, urban parks, gardens and forests.

Nova Scotia is home to several kinds of ticks, including the blacklegged tick, which is known to transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan virus infection.

People can reduce their risk by:

• checking their clothing and body carefully for ticks after spending time outside
• wearing long pants and long sleeves in areas likely to have ticks
• wearing light-coloured clothing (light colours make it easier to see ticks)
• wearing enclosed shoes and tucking their pants into their socks
• walking on well-travelled paths, avoiding long grass and vegetation
• applying insect repellents approved by Health Canada to exposed skin and clothes (following directions carefully)

Anyone with questions or concerns about tick safety or tick-borne diseases can call 811 or the Nova Scotia Health Tick Hotline at 902-266-7199 or toll-free at 1-866-266-7199.

For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page