We’re seeing more ticks as their habitat and food sources grow. As we develop land, people come in contact with ticks more often. Purdue experts say climate change could also create a better environment for ticks.

Indiana health officials say the recent warmer weather could mean large encounters of ticks across the state.

Ticks can spread diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. An Indiana University professor says people need to take extra care -- even in their yards.

Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson speaks with Wendy Adams, research grant director for the Bay Area Lyme Foundation, which released research in July showing ticks capable of carrying Lyme have been found in 83 new counties across the country.

If you find a tick on your body, don't count on a tick test to let you know if you have Lyme disease.

The blacklegged tick - also known as the deer tick - is responsible for spreading Lyme disease in Indiana.

The deer tick is the first tick species to have its genes decoded. Purdue Professor of Medical Entomology Catherine Hill says that mapping is an important first step for public health officials.