Warm, Wet Spring Has Ticks Thriving

ST. CLOUD -- We're in the prime part of the season for Lyme Disease and with a warm and wet spring, there are even more black-legged ticks out feeding.

Minnesota Department of Health spokesman Dave Neitzel says the ticks love moisture.  He says the wet conditions allow the ticks to come out and feed.  In fact, he says dry conditions actually kill off the black-legged (Deer) tick.

Neitzel says it's important to be using repellant when you are out in the grassy, woody areas of central Minnesota. Bug spray with DEET or a permetherinrepellant can be used to effectively deter ticks. He says ticks live on the forest floor so spray your legs from the knee down.

Prime Lyme Disease season is from mid-May through mid-July.