As Montanans look to enjoy the outdoors this spring and summer, state and local public health officials urge everyone to follow a few simple steps to prevent tick bites and related illnesses: Limit exposure to ticks, use insect repellent, and inspect yourself, gear, and pets for ticks.

Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) officials say each tick season is unpredictable. However, each year thousands of people in the U.S. are bitten by ticks and become infected with a tick-borne illness.

DPHHS communicable disease epidemiologist Erika Baldry emphasizes the best way to avoid tic...