INDIANAPOLIS –  Indiana health officials are urging people to take precautions against tick bites now that warmer weather has arrived.

The small, blood-sucking creatures can transmit several diseases that cause fever and flu-like symptoms. The Indiana State Department of Health says more than 250 tick-borne illness cases were reported in the state last year.

Tumbling clothes in a high-temperature dryer for half an hour will kill ticks and showering can help remove unattached ticks.

For more on ticks from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources click here.