May is one of the worst months for ticks and a study from Indiana University shows ticks not usually found in southern Indiana are starting to appear.
IU biologist Keith Clay says two types of ticks, the lone star and deer tick, have gradually moved into the area in the last 10 years.
He says that could be for a few reasons, one being climate change. The large deer population in the area also attracts ticks.
"The main concern we have about ticks are the pathogens they carry, the diseases they can cause," Keith Clay says. "The more ticks there are, the more likely someone is to get bit. So the greater the tick population, the greater the likelihood of disease."
Deer ticks can carry Lyme disease, but Clay says other, similar pathogens can have similar symptoms such as chronic fatigue and rashes. Most of those illnesses can be treated by antibiotics, though.
Clay recommends Hoosiers regularly check for ticks on yourself and your pets after being outdoors.