PORTLAND, Maine (AP) The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention says people are spending more time outdoors, and that means they should be more mindful of disease-carrying ticks.

Ticks are active in the state, where incidence of Lyme disease has steadily climbed over the last 15 years.

Maine CDC says health care providers reported at least 2,150 confirmed and probable Lyme cases last year.

Residents can reduce the likelihood of a tick bite by taking steps such as using repellent, wearing light-colored clothing that covers the arms and legs and performing daily checks.