Beat the Bite: MDARD Offers Tick Safety Guidelines

Warm weather means more time outside - and a higher risk of tick bites

LANSING, Mich. – As warmer weather draws Michiganders outdoors, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is reminding residents to stay vigilant against ticks – tiny pests that can pose serious health risks to both people and animals.

“Keeping ticks out of your yard and pasture is a simple but powerful way to protect yourself, your family and your animals,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “Whether through integrated pest management strategies or responsible pesticide use, preventing tick bites starts at home.”

Michigan is home to more than 20 tick species, some of which can carry dangerous pathogens such as the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. While not every tick is infected, bites from pathogen-carrying ticks can lead to severe health issues for both people and animals if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

Simple integrated pest management practices can help minimize ticks on your property:

• Trim back tall grasses and brush around homes, barns/sheds and along lawn and pasture edges.
• Create a 3-foot barrier of wood chips or gravel between property and wooded areas to limit tick movement.
• Keep lawns and pastures mowed and regularly remove leaf litter.
• Stack firewood neatly in a dry area to deter rodents, which are common tick hosts.
• Place patios, decks and playsets in sunny, dry areas, away from wooded edges, shrubbery, and tall grasses and weeds.

If you choose to use insect repellents or other pesticides to further protect against ticks, MDARD urges residents to do so responsibly:

• Always follow label directions and wear personal protective equipment or clothing when specified by the label.
• Store all pesticides in original, labeled containers out of reach of children and pets.
• Use only the recommended amount – more is not better and may pose health risks.
• Wash your hands and clothes thoroughly after use.
• Use the Environmental Protection Agency website to help choose an insect repellent.
• If hiring a professional, find a licensed pesticide applicator at Michigan.gov/MDARDPABL.

“Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis,” said Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian. “Make sure you perform thorough tick checks, and if you find a tick attached to your body, promptly remove it. Monitor your health and, if you experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches or other symptoms, or if you suspect a tick has been attached for more than 24 hours, consult with your medical provider.”

In addition to these strategies, animal owners should contact their veterinarian about tick preventatives and other treatments to keep their animals safe and healthy. Performing regular tick checks on pets, companion animals, and livestock is also important. Look around your animals’ eyes, ears, limbs, tail and feet for any ticks. If a tick is found, safely remove it as quickly as possible.

For more information about tick identification, removal and tick-borne illnesses, visit Michigan.gov/Lyme or Michigan’s Emerging Diseases webpage.

Watch how to perform a tick check and how to protect your pets from ticks.

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