Watch out for deer ticks — their population is up sharply, according to preliminary results from the University of Rhode Island’s statewide Tick Encounter Risk Survey.

The tiny bloodsuckers have increased their numbers by 54 percent compared with the same period last year, URI said, and they are not yet halfway through their season.

Deer ticks transmit a number of diseases, including Lyme disease.

Thomas Mather, professor of entomology and director of URI’s Center for Vector Borne Disease, said in a news release that the survey of tick populations has found greater tick numbers than last year at 26 sites and fewer ticks at 10 sites.

“Certain regions always seem to stand out for their growth in tick abundance,” Mather said. “In 2007, it was the East Bay that saw the greatest increase, and numbers there have remained high ever since. This year, it’s northern Rhode Island that is experiencing the most impressive gains.”

At a site in Cumberland, for example, one tick was found there last year, while 42 were collected there this year, the survey said. One of two sites in Smithfield saw an increase from one tick last year to 23 this year.

Mather said that the wet weather this spring has been perfect for tick survival. “These deer ticks love high humidity and moisture,” he said.

“When the sun finally does come out later this week after all of this rain, people are going to want to spend time outside, and lots of ticks will be waiting to latch on to them,” Mather said. “So this is the perfect time to think about taking more aggressive steps to protect yourselves from tick bites.”

According to Mather’s tick abundance database, when Rhode Island has experienced a 50 percent increase in tick abundance there has been a corresponding 35 percent increase in reported cases of Lyme disease.

Mather recommends Rhode Islanders take precautions to prevent contracting Lyme disease by routinely practicing personal protective measures and implementing tick control strategies around the yard, including:

•Checking your body thoroughly every day for ticks.

•Using a sharp tick-removal tweezer to safely detach ticks.

•Treating clothing with a repellent containing Permethrin and wearing the treated clothing whenever going in areas where ticks may lurk.

•Keeping the edge of the yard clear of leaf litter because that’s where exposure to ticks is most likely to occur.

•Hiring a professional pest controller or arborist to apply a tick treatment around the yard.

tmorgan@projo.com