Hike those socks over pant legs this summer, and keep the repellant handy. Experts say the mosquitoes, ticks and ants will be out in full force. Some are already reporting increased populations.

“If you go through the longer grass, or go hiking through woods, you’re going to pick up ticks,” said Larry Dolphin, director of the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center in Austin. “So it’s a good idea to put your socks over your pants if you’re going through tall grass and stay covered up.”

Dolphin said the Nature Center’s John Duren recently attended a land dedication in Newry Township in Freeborn County, and after taking photographs from tall grass found about 20 wood ticks on himself. Dolphin has also picked up some wood ticks from the Nature Center; however, he has never heard of anybody at the Nature Center encountering deer ticks.

This year’s tick season started slow because of the late snowfall, but June may be the worst month for bites and tick-borne illnesses such as Lyme disease. Dave Neitzel, Minnesota Department of Health epidemiologist, says ticks thrive in wet, humid conditions, which currently blanket the Nature Center in Austin.

“I know it’s going to be bad just because of the amount of water,” Dolphin said.

However, Dolphin added those who stay on the trails should be OK. Some trails are still unmowed because of the wetness. Regardless, Dolphin said people should check themselves for ticks whenever they’ve been in the woods or on trails. He added the Nature Center has insect repellant that people can use for free.

As for mosquitoes, Metropolitan Mosquito Control District director Jim Stark says this year’s crop is about three to four weeks behind because of the cool spring.

—The Associated Press contributed to this report.