You may have spent your long weekend outdoors. If so, it’s suggested you do a thorough check for ticks.

Orkin Canada Technical Director Sean Rollo says they have eight legs and are around the size of a sesame seed, “They’re kind of oval-shaped, dark in colour, but some will have a lighter pattern on their back. When they start feeding they swell right up like a balloon. If you see something on your body that is quite fat, then that might be a tick. They feed on your blood and typically you don’t feel it when they bite.”

Rollo adds ticks have returned with a vengeance already this season, and the colder weather doesn’t appear to be deterring them.

“If you do find a tick, once you have removed it successfully, just monitor closely. Draw a circle around that particular area and if you notice that it’s getting red, like a red ring, and if it grows beyond that circle and keeps growing, that’s when you would get some help from a doctor to ensure that it isn’t Lyme disease,” Rollo adds.

You can also take precautions if you know you’re going to be in an area where ticks are commonly found. Wear long pants, and tuck them into your socks. Take a quick look at your clothing when you get home and if you see any ticks on your clothing, you can brush them off.

Black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks, can carry Lyme disease.

Rollo adds you should also do a good check on your pets as well.