The Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) reminds residents to enjoy the summer outdoors—just don’t forget to take simple steps to prevent tick bites. With Lyme disease cases in Michigan rising 168% over the past five years, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Service (MDHHS), awareness and prevention are more important than ever.
Michigan is home to more than 20 known species of ticks. Closely related to insects and spiders, ticks typically survive by feeding on wildlife but can also latch onto humans and pets. People and animals are most likely to encounter ticks in natural environments such as tall grass, wooded areas, and in fields near forests. Ticks rarely enter homes on their own and are usually brought indoors on clothing, skin, or fur.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is caused by one specific type of bacteria and is the most common tickborne disease in Michigan. Anaplasmosis is caused by a different bacteria and is the second most common tickborne disease, with cases increasing notably in the northern parts of the state. Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are both transmitted from being bit by the blacklegged tick, or more commonly known as the deer tick.
Preventing Tick Bites
Ticks are most active in the warmer months (April – September). Below are a few tips on how to prevent tick bites and to help keep your home tick free:
- Avoid grassy, brushy and wooded areas, especially areas with tall or overgrown grass. If you’re walking on a trail, avoid contact with brush at the trail edge by walking in the center,
- Always check for ticks on yourself and your animals after being outdoors, even if you’re in your own yard,
- Use insect repellent that is EPA-registered and approved, like DEET. To find the right repellent for you and your family, click here,
- Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks,
- Place clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to kill ticks you may have missed.
Tick Removal
When a tick bites, it often goes unnoticed. A tick will stay attached for several days as it swells up with blood, usually several times its normal size. To properly remove a tick use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Then pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick. After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. “Avoiding tick bites and promptly removing them are the best ways to prevent infection from tick related diseases,” says Dr. Josh Meyerson, HDNW Medical Director.
To learn more about ticks in Michigan, click here. To stay updated on all health-related news, subscribe to our monthly news letter here. If you’re looking for more information about HDNW, call us locally at 800-432-4121 or visit our website at nwhealth.org.
