OHIO — Summer is here, and so are ticks. 

The Ohio Division of Natural Resources (ODNR) is warning residents on how to avoid tick bites and what to look out for while enjoying the great outdoors. 

“Ticks have the ability to transmit diseases to humans in 36 to 48 hours after the initial bite,” said Ohio Wildlife Council President and retired veterinarian Dr. Paul Mechling. “Urban and suburban development as well as outdoor recreation allows the spread of these diseases as people come in close contacts with mice, white-tailed deer, and other hosts for ticks. Pets in an outdoor setting should have tick control.”

There are three main ticks in Ohio: The American dog tick, blacklegged tick and lone star tick. All three have the potential to carry diseases than can transfer to humans and pets, according to ODNR. 

The American dog tick is the most common and can be found in grassy areas. 

ODNR recommends these tips during the summer months:

• Wear light clothing so ticks can be easily spotted
• Tuck pants into shoes or shirts into pants so ticks stay on clothes
• Spray yourself with permethrin-based repellent
• Check your exposed skin throughout the trip for any potential ticks as well as after the trip
• Check your gear and your pets

If you have a tick on you, ODNR recommends using tweezers or gloved hands, grab it as close to the skin as possible and then pull it straight out with steady, even pressure. 

"Do not use petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, alcohol, cigarettes, matches or other similar methods to try to kill or stimulate the tick to back out. These methods do not work, delay proper removal, and may be dangerous," ODNR said.

Blacklegged ticks have increased its population in Ohio since 2010, and this species carries Lyme disease. They can be found in forested areas. They're also active throughout the year, not just in the summer. 

The lone star tick is found mostly in the southern half of the state and can carry multiple diseases. They're active during warm months.

“Ohioans are at greatest risk for contracting tick-borne disease from June through August, but Lyme disease is possible year-round,” said Dr. Glen Needham, Associate Professor Emeritus of Entomology at The Ohio State University. “Wear proper clothing and use repellent to help prevent tick attachment.”

Wild animals such as deer aren't affected by Lyme disease, so hunters shouldn't be worried but should still be cautious since there could be ticks on deer.