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CHICAGO (AP) -- Warm weather means more time spent outdoors and more risk of brushing up against ticks.

Infected ticks can transmit diseases including Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease through their bites.

Officials from the Cook County Department of Public Health have some advice.

Stay on well traveled paths while in the woods and walk where you can avoid brushing up against bushes and weeds.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Insect repellents containing DEET can ward off ticks.

Check yourself and children carefully for ticks after walking in wooded areas.

If you find a tick, remove it slowly with tweezers.

Don't use nail polish remover or burning matches. Those methods aren't safe or effective.

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On the Net:

http://www.cdc.gov/ticks

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