Warmer weather has returned and Lambton Public Health (LPH) is reminding the community about mosquitoes and ticks.
Both insects can carry serious diseases, such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus.
Acting Supervisor for Health Protection Theresa Warren said there are some high risk areas in Lambton County.
"The Pinery area is a high risk area for ticks and Lyme disease, so we particularly want to make sure that we are taking the extra precautions in those areas," she said.
In 2024, there was one confirmed human case of West Nile Virus.
Warren said it's important to use bug spray that contains deet and to wear long and protective clothing when it comes to protecting yourself from mosquitoes and ticks.
"You want to take extra care when you're outdoors between dusk and early morning because that's when mosquito activity is particularly high and you want to remove any standing water from your property to reduce any breeding grounds for mosquitos," she said.
As for ticks, along with long lightweight clothing and bug spray, it's recommended to stick to trails if you're participating in outdoor activities.
Warren said it's important to do a tick check when you're done in the forested areas.
"If you do find a tick on yourself and can't identify it, we would recommend that you talk to your family doctor," she said.
It is reminded if you do have a tick on you to report it to the health unit or Etick.ca.
LPH will also be conducting its mosquito surveillance in late June.
Pestalto Environmental Health Services has been contracted to catch basin larviciding. This is designed to catch mosquito larvae to reduce the incidence of West Nile Virus in the county.