This is a file photo of a female deer tick seen under a microscope. (Victoria Arocho/CP) (Victoria Arocho/CP)

Ticks have appeared in Saskatchewan, ahead of their usual arrival according to an expert with the provincial Ministry of Health.

Phil Curry says tick season usually starts in May or June.

"Our winters have been getting shorter lately," Curry noted Friday. "The ticks come out of their dormancy in the spring and we're starting to see reports of them."

Curry added that ticks, which are common in the southern half of the province, have been reported in more northern climes.

He said there have been no reports of the tick that carries Lyme disease in the province for two years.

Curry added that using a bug repellant can help people avoid the pest. People should also wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts if they're going into grassy areas.

Curry also reminded people to give themselves -- and their pets -- a thorough check for ticks, if they've been in grassy areas.