How to protect yourself from ticks and Lyme disease, according to experts

Experts say ticks are out earlier this year and sticking around longer than usual thanks to warming temperatures — making it more important than ever to be aware of how to avoid their potentially disease-carrying bites.

In Connecticut, for example, ticks are already showing up in greater numbers this year, Goudarz Molaei, a tick expert for the state, told The Associated Press. Since Jan. 1, more than 1,000 ticks have been sent in for the state's testing program, the second-highest number in recent years.

"It's going to be an above-average year for tick activity and abundance," Molaei warned.