The Placer County Mosquito and Vector Control District says it's been surveying local foothills, and has found an increase in the number of ticks, as well as in ticks infected with the organism that causes Lyme disease.
"This is actually a perfect time for ticks right now because it's warming up a little bit, there's been some snow and rain -- it's moist on the ground," says Joel Buettner with the district.
Buettner says the seasonal increase is common, but it's important to take precautions when hiking or walking in the foothills.
"Typically what ticks will do is crawl up to the top of this kind of low to medium vegetation and then just hang out until something comes by and then they'll grab on and that's how they get on to a person or an animal," he says.
He advises wearing light colored clothing, using repellent, and staying in the middle of the trail when hiking. He says after spending time outdoors, it's also a good idea to carefully inspect yourself, kids and pets for ticks.
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