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Tick populations on the rise
Get ready for a tick invasion this summer. Officials say we could be overrun with the blood-sucking pests in the tri-state area this year.
NEW YORK - Health officials are putting out warnings that the number of ticks is on the rise.
This year, the state of Connecticut counted more than double the number of ticks through the end of April than it did last year, thanks to a warmer climate.
Experts say this year, deer ticks will be more common in the northeast. Deer ticks can cause Lyme disease.
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New York is seeing similar increases.
"We have ticks in our area that do carry Lyme and it’s one of the reasons people need to be cautious," said Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler.
Experts are reminding people to take precautions when going outdoors in grassy, wooded areas, like wearing socks over pant legs and double-checking legs once they get inside for ticks.
Dr. Amler says ticks can also live on pets, so check them too.
Meanwhile, Westchester County is in the process of setting up its annual tick clinic, anticipating a year of tick bites.
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