By Jason Weinstein.

While we welcome the warm weather, it does come with some unwanted guests, including ticks.


In 2014 there were 152 cases of Lyme Disease in Broome County. Today county health officials laid out steps you can take to prevent getting bit and getting sick this season. These tips include using a repellant with at least 20 percent deet, frequently check for ticks on clothing and skin, and do a full-body tick check at the end of the day.


"Dress to repel. Wear light-colored clothing, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are the best defense. Tuck your pants into your shoes or your socks for added protection. Check yourself often and if you find a tick crawling on you, promptly remove it," said Victoria Perkins, Senior Public Health Sanitarian at the Broome County Health Department.


The county is giving away 1000 tick removal kits. A number of localities will have them in their Clerk's office. Or, you can stop by the Broome County Health Department to pick one up.