As Michigan’s weather warms, people and pets are emerging from their winter dormancy, increasing the risk of encountering ticks. These tiny creatures can be creepy, but most importantly, they can pose serious health risks through diseases like Lyme disease.
To avoid ticks, stick to well-groomed trails, avoid areas with tall grass and leaf-covered ground, where they tend to hide. When outdoors, use EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET on clothing and skin. You can also treat clothing with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact. For pets, there are various tick prevention options available, including treatments bundled with monthly heartworm prevention.
Regular tick checks are crucial, paying attention to areas like the hairline, ears, neck, underarms, and groin in both humans and pets. If you find a tick attached, remove it promptly with tweezers, taking care not to break the seal. Monitor for symptoms like fever, muscle aches, and rash for up to two weeks after a bite.
Michigan’s tick population has surged, leading to a 168% increase in Lyme disease cases over the past five years. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has issued a warning ahead of Memorial Day weekend, urging residents to take precautions. Ticks are active from April to September and can transmit diseases through deer/black-legged ticks, which account for about 20% of the state’s tick population.
Source: https://www.mlive.com/life/2025/05/how-to-avoid-ticks-hitchhiking-on-you-and-your-pets.html