Health officials in Berrien County are warning the public about increased tick activity.

The Berrien County Health Department says state health officials are watching the trends as tick activity is on the rise. Warmer temperatures always bring an increase in ticks and a heightened danger of Lyme disease. County Health Supervisor Brian Murphy told WSJM that deer ticks are most commonly associated with Lyme disease, which should be taken very seriously.

Prevention efforts include avoiding areas where ticks are common, checking yourself and your pets after walks, and checking hard-to-spot areas like your ears, groin and scalp.