Tick season in Nebraska starting off with a bang [Video]

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Bug experts say tick season is kicking off strong after an unusually mild winter.

Entomologist Jody Green with the University of Nebraska Extension says warmer-than-normal temperatures gave the ticks a head start.

Green recently spotted several dog ticks near a trail at Zorinsky Lake. However, she says they are not just there, they are everywhere and have been for a few weeks.

“They’ve started. They’re out in full force. They can be active all year round if temperatures are above freezing and there’s no snow on the ground. We didn’t get a lot of snow, and so they have been active.”

Green recommends checking yourself, your kids, and your pets for ticks after they’ve been outside.

“Their ears are, there’s going to be little folds in there, they’re like tick hotels,” she said. “Around the collar, between the toes. Definitely, check. Check your pets, check yourselves, …