Bay Area Tick Season In Full Swing

MOUNT BURDELL (KCBS) -- Heavy winter rains have created a tick problem in the Bay Area, and doctors say hikers and pet owners need to be vigilant to avoid getting bit.

Ticks lurk in bushes, grass, trees, and on hillsides, and a bite from a poppy seed-sized tick can lead to Lyme disease, which can be debilitating.

Nancy Wilson found three on herself after hiking in the Bay Area this spring in Marin County.

"We've been hiking up on Mount Burdell a lot, and this year, the ticks are really bad," Wilson told KCBS.

Patricia Cook is no stranger to ticks either.

"I live in the country, and I've had them, but I know this year is gonna be worse than ever, so it's a good idea to be preventive and check yourself, and check your animals," Cook said.

Doctors recommend wearing long sleeves, and covering legs when hiking in areas that may have ticks.

The Centers for Disease Control has a section with information dedicated to ticks.