The New Jersey Health Department says the season for disease spreading ticks may be even longer because of the warm weather.

New Jersey ranks in the top five states for tick-borne illnesses.

According to the state's health commissioner, anyone who's been outdoors, especially in the woods or in tall grass, should check themselves carefully for ticks within two hours.

Pets should also be checked.

"Just emphasizing using repellents and checking your children and also your pets,” says Dr. Shereef Elnahal. “Pets can bring in ticks from outside and transmit them to you inside the household."

Wearing light colored clothing, and tucking pants into socks, also helps prevent tick bites.