If you spend time in wooded, shrubby, or grassy areas, it’s important to check yourself for ticks. Deer ticks (aka black-legged ticks) carry bacteria that can cause Lyme disease. A “bull’s-eye” skin rash and flu-like symptoms are common signs of the condition. Lyme disease is typically treated with doctor-prescribed antibiotics. To avoid tick bites, avoid brushing against vegetation, wear light-coloured long-sleeved shirts and pants, and use insect repellent containing DEET. If you find an embedded tick, gently remove it using tweezers by pulling close to the skin and avoid squeezing the tick. Clean the bite wound thoroughly.