With the warmer weather comes open windows, long walks outside – and ticks.

Lyme disease cases have almost quadrupled in Erie County over the past three years, prompting officials to warn people about the risks and how to protect themselves from infection.

Ticks thrive in warm, damp, wooded areas, making this week’s weather perfect for the parasites.

New York is actually one of just 14 states that make up 95 percent of the cases reported each year in the U.S.

Last year, Erie County saw 92 cases of Lyme disease, up from 30 in 2014.

But don't let ticks discourage you from enjoying the outdoors.

Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein says to use insect spray that contains at least 20 percent DEET.

In addition, she says if possible, wear long sleeves and pants when hiking or playing outside. 

"And then when you return from your hike, make sure you do tick check on yourself and your kids," she said.

In the event a tick is found, remove it carefully with a pair of tweezers and put it in rubbing alcohol to kill it. Many times, Lyme disease can be prevented or treated if the tick is found soon enough but be sure to watch for any symptoms.

"Fever, chills you get fatigue, you get aches pains all over your muscles your joints, your bones you get swollen lymph nodes. Many people, but not everybody develop a classic rash," Dr. Burstein said.

If Lyme disease is not caught early enough, the bacteria can lead to more problems harder to solve. The Center for Disease Control says 10 to 20 percent of people who have Lyme disease develop long term issues that came from the tick bite. That's why Senator Tim Kennedy has introduced a bill that would require insurance providers to cover people with Lyme disease.