Tick season to be worse than usual

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) - With the weather warming up, many will be itching to get outside, but ticks are out in full force and experts say it's worse than usual.

Taking a walk in the woods, or even playing in a backyard, Dr. William Berg says you are at risk.

"These months, May and June, are when they nymphs are biting," Dr. Berg told WAVY.com. The nymphs he refers to are tick nymphs, who wait on the tips of grass blades. They're so small you'll never know they're there.

"If you look at the "D" on the word 'dime,' on a dime, that's how big the nymphs are," Berg said.

Berg added they're so light, you probably won't feel them bite. He suggests using a spray with DEET to protect your body and something with permethrin on your clothing.

"Spray it on your clothing and gear, let it sit and it lasts several days," Ethan Campbell claims. He was leaving a Bass Pro Shop with some tick protection after a run in with ticks Tuesday.

"I was walking in the woods, you know, just knee high grass, that's where they like to hang out," Campbell told WAVY.com.

He found several ticks on his legs, but Berg warns they typically hide in hard to find places like hair, behind ears, belly button and groin. He advises inspecting carefully and removing them with tweezers.

"Take some very fine-tip tweezers, slide it along the skin, squeeze, then pull up," Berg explained.

Don't squeeze the tick and make sure to get the whole thing. Either could make you sick.

If you notice a rash that looks like a bull's eye, or, if you experience other symptoms of Lyme disease including chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, see your doctor right away.

Once a tick gets under your skin you have about 24 hours to get it out before it can begin to transmit disease. Make sure to check yourself, the kids and the pets as soon as you come inside.