Eek, what's this? How to handle a Christmas tree infested with ticks

You may think that ticks are a summer problem, so you will be sorry to hear that the blood-sucking pests are actually active all year.

It's true that ticks go into a low energy state in winter, meaning they are reluctant to move around and usually go into hiding under snow, leaves and brush, according to Tick Talk Canada, a campaign launched by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.

But if you're planning to chop down a Christmas tree, chances are you might be providing the little buggers with a cosy, warm new home.

If a Christmas tree is infested with ticks, chances are they will end up in your house, says Tina Hölscher, a veterinarian based in Germany.

Some tick species become active when the temperature is 4 degrees Celsius or above, according to Tick Talk Canada, so once inside your home, ticks will wake up from their slumber and start looking for a host to feed on - like you and your pet.

The best way to keep ticks from invading your home during the holidays is to store the fresh tree in the basement or garage for a while before setting it up in your living room.

That way, the ticks will get moving due to the higher temperatures but without infiltrating your home.

Before hauling in the tree, shake it vigorously to get rid of the pests.

If you discover a tick on your body or your pet, you should remove it as quickly as possible, Hölscher says. The less time a tick spends on your body, the less likely it is that you will get a tick-borne infection like Lyme disease.