Warm weather means more time outdoors, but health officials are warning central Illinois residents to keep an eye out for ticks this season.

EDINBURG, Ill. (WAND) - Warm weather means more time outdoors, but health officials are warning central Illinois residents to keep an eye out for ticks this season. 

The Christian County Public Health Department recently partnered with the Illinois Department of Public Health to conduct tick surveillance in the county, collecting ticks from wooded and grassy areas to monitor what species are present and whether they are carrying harmful pathogens.

"We work with IDPH to help them do passive surveillance of our ticks in our county," said Joe Torres, director of environmental health at the Christian County Health Department. "It helps keep track of what's coming into our county, what's already here and maybe if there's any kind of new species that might show up."

Torres said surveillance is important because some tick species are spreading farther north into Illinois. He pointed to the Gulf Coast tick, which is typically found in southern states but has gradually been moving northward into southern Illinois. 

"So different ticks carry different pathogens and can cause different diseases," Torres said. "Knowing which ticks are in our county helps us stay prepared."

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, ticks can spread illnesses including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, alpha-gal syndrome and ehrlichiosis. Health officials said ticks are commonly found in wooded areas, tall grass and brush, where they wait for people or animals to brush past them. 

The ticks collected during surveillance are sent to IDPH, where experts identify the species, determine the tick's life stage and test for pathogens. 

As more people spend time hiking, camping and enjoying parks this summer, Torres said prevention is key. 

"If you're out on trails, stay toward the center of the trail and avoid the edges because that's where you're going to run into the ticks," Torres said. "Use bug spray. There's permethrin spray, which you can spray on your clothes, which is a repellent for ticks." 

He also recommends wearing long sleeves and jeans, tucking pants into boots and wearing hats or head coverings while outdoors. 

Health officials say checking for ticks after spending time outside is especially important because immature ticks can be extremely small.

"The nymphs are the size of a sesame seed, so they're really tiny," Torres said. "You would not see them."

He said his team often uses lint rollers on clothing and gear to help pick up tiny ticks after field work. 

While tickborne illnesses can sound alarming, Torres said people should not panic if they find a tick. 

"There's a lot of fear in ticks because they do carry diseases," he said. "But, not all ticks carry Lyme disease."

He added that residents should still enjoy the outdoors while taking precautions.

"I wouldn't be too worried about it," he added. "Just be aware of your surroundings when you're out, but enjoy outside while you can because this is the best time of year."

The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends removing ticks with tweezers by grasping the tick close to the skin and pulling straight out. Officials also warn against using petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat to remove ticks. Health officials said people should contact a doctor if they begin experiencing symptoms after a tick bite, especially fever, fatigue, nausea, or a bull's-eye rash, which can be associated with Lyme disease.

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