LOUISVILLE, Ky--Just one tick is enough to send a lot of people turning to Mosquito Squad owner Brook Tafel.

"The areas that they are typically found usually are heavy foliage areas, either uncut grass, or the heavy brush areas or areas where there is heavy landscaping," Tafel said. 

His team treats the outside perimeters of homes for ticks with a specialized spray every to three to four weeks.

"Unlike what people normally think ticks don't climb up and drop down. They usually start at the leg level and attach themselves to the clothes, the socks, the shoes and work their way up," Tafel said.

Tafel deals in prevention.

But if you  find a tick  Dr. Paul Schulz with Norton Healthcare has some common sense advice for treating them.

"If you find a tick we always encourage to try to detach it and get the entire tick including the head. If it's burrowed in that can sometimes  be tricky but you want to try and make sure get the entire head because if you just get the body they can still be infectious," Dr. Schulz said. 

Researchers are predicting a heavier tick season than usual due to a mild winter.

And you want to pay attention to two tick borne diseases.

"Rocky Mountain spotted fever and something called Ehrlichia which is actually probably more common here than Rocky Mountain spotted fever," Dr. Schulz said. 

Symptoms include a fever, rashes in some cases, and low white blood cell  count.

Your exposure to  ticks can also come from unexpected sources.

"You have to keep in mind that your animal could be where you get the contact with the tick," Dr. Schulz said. 

Bottom line: Tick checks for you and your animal are good idea and if you suspect something is wrong get it checked out immediately.

"If you are  getting sick and you know that you have had a tick attached to your body it be wise to get evaluated," Dr. Schulz said. 

The doctor also recommends insect repellent and long clothing if your lifestyle involves frequently being outdoors.