This is the Time of Year in New England to Start Worrying About Ticks

For many of us here in New England, there aren't a lot of downsides to the cold, brutal winter months winding down. However, with winter being over and milder temperatures arriving throughtout New Hampshire and New England, it is that this time of year that you need to start worrying about ticks.

April to August, according to experts seems to be the most dangerous time for ticks. It's when you need to be vigilant about checking yourself, family memeber and pets for those pesky critters.

Along with pets, human exposure is a major issue in the Granite State. Experts said to take extra care in the border between short grass and the woods. According to a report from WMUR, ticks don't jump, so they wait for an animal to rub against them so they can climb aboard.

"In New Hampshire, we have one of the highest Lyme disease rates in the country," said Beth Daly of the Department of Health and Human Services. "We typically have between 1,500 to 1,800 or so cases per year."

Daly said the best defense for people is using insect repellent and wearing long pants and sleeves. Officials said Lyme disease can cause serious illness in humans and can be deadly to pets in some cases.