As Nova Scotians long for warmer weather this spring, the province's large tick population is doing the same.

Blacklegged ticks, or deer ticks, are often found around Nova Scotia, hiding in long grass and attaching to a host without notice.

Bites from these insects can result in Lyme and other diseases in humans and animals.

But researchers at Acadia University's chemistry department are working to determine if lemongrass essential oil works as a natural tick repellent.

CBC Radio's Maritime Noon sp…