State officials say ticks are emerging earlier than usual this year

The record-warm temperatures and lack of snow this winter is the cause of that. State Department of Conservation officials say the Lone Star tick – with a white dot on its back, the American dog tick, and the deer tick are all very common in Illinois.  They say to keep an eye on yourself and your pets after finding ticks for possible symptoms of an illness. You’ll want to watch your pets for odd behavior, appetite loss, swelling, and fever. Humans can have a fever, rash, chills, or body aches. Officials say to seek medical help in both cases if any of those symptoms appear.