RALEIGH, N.C. -- The warm spring and summer months are upon us, and that means more time outdoors for us and our furry friends.  But pesky bugs like ticks can cause headaches this time of year, and a new type of tick is raising a lot of concern.

Only found in 10 states in the United States, veterinarians say Asian longhorn ticks can lay eggs and reproduce without mating. They are the size of the end of pen, and only grow when feeding, making them very difficult to see. Unfortunately, all this leads to thousands being found at a time, a cause for concern for pet owners in North Carolina.

Veterinarians say the best thing to do is keep a close eye on your pets and check them regularly in key spots like behind the ears. If a tick is found on a person or animal, remove it immediately and save it in a bag for the doctor, and contact your health department.

For more information, visit the CDC’s website or go to My Vet and Me’s website.