Avoid areas with ticks
- Ticks generally prefer shady, moist areas in wooded and grassy locations.
- Be extra vigilant in warmer months (April – September) when ticks are most active. However, ticks can be active anytime the temperature outside is warmer than 40⁰ F.
- Stay on well-groomed trails and avoid high grass, brush, and fallen leaves.
- Learn ways to keep your home and yard tick-free.
For more prevention information, visit MDHHS - Ticks and Your Health: Preventing tick-borne illness in Michigan.
Check skin and clothes for ticks after being outdoors
- Wear light-colored clothing to make ticks easier to see
- Perform daily tick checks, including your armpits, scalp, and groin
- Shower soon after coming indoors
- Remove ticks from your clothes before going indoors.
- Don’t forget to check your pets for ticks. Talk with your veterinarian about how to prevent ticks on your pet.
Use insect repellents
Insect repellents have been shown to be effective for repelling ticks. Repellents can be applied to clothing and skin. Whenever using an insect repellent, always read and follow the label use directions for proper application and safety concerns, and store away from pets and children.
For more prevention information, visit MDHHS - Ticks and your health: preventing tick-borne illness in Michigan.
See your doctor when necessary
If you develop a rash or fever within a month of removing a tick, see your doctor as soon as possible. Be sure to tell your doctor about your recent tick bite and when the bite occurred.
To learn more about Lyme Disease signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, visit CDC - Lyme Disease: What You Need to Know.
Ticks are closely related to insects and spiders. There are over 20 known tick species in Michigan. Most often, they survive by feeding on wildlife. Several species of ticks are known to bite people and pets and may harbor dangerous bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Not all ticks carry diseases, but tick-related diseases such as Lyme disease do occur in Michigan and can be serious or fatal if not properly diagnosed and treated.
