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Tick Season in Michigan is Here. Here’s What You Need To Know

As temperatures warm up across Michigan, tick season is officially underway. Whether you’re hiking local trails, working in the yard, camping, or simply walking the dog, it’s important to know how to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from tick bites and tick-borne illnesses.

Ticks thrive in shady, moist environments — especially wooded areas, tall grass, brush, and piles of fallen leaves. In Michigan, ticks are most active from April through September, but they can become active anytime temperatures rise above 40°F.

Where Ticks Hide

Ticks don’t jump or fly. Instead, they wait on grass and brush for people or animals to pass by. To lower your risk:

  • Stay on well-groomed trails
  • Avoid walking through high grass and brush
  • Be cautious around wooded edges and leaf piles

Always Check for Ticks After Being OutdoorsTick size chart

One of the best ways to prevent tick-related illness is to find and remove ticks quickly. Ticks can be tiny and easy to miss, especially immature ticks that may be no larger than a poppy seed.

On Humans, Check Carefully Around:

  • Hair and scalp
  • Ears
  • Underarms
  • Waistline
  • Belly button
  • Groin area
  • Behind the knees

On Pets, Check Around:

  • Tail
  • Ears and eyes
  • Under collars
  • Between legs
  • Between toes

Lyme Disease: What Michigan Residents Should Know

Not all ticks carry Lyme disease. In Michigan, only blacklegged ticks — also known as deer ticks — transmit the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. While many tick bites are harmless, avoiding bites and removing ticks promptly are the best ways to reduce the risk of infection.

How To Safely Remove a Tick

If you find an attached tick, remove it as soon as possible using these steps:

  1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
  2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure.
  3. Do not twist, jerk, or crush the tick.
  4. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
  5. Never crush a tick with your fingers.

You should also place outdoor clothing in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes after coming indoors. This helps kill any ticks you may have missed.

Stay Safe Outdoors This Season

Michigan summers are meant to be enjoyed — from hiking and gardening to camping and lake days. A few simple precautions can go a long way in keeping you and your pets safe during tick season.

Stay aware, check often, and enjoy the outdoors safely.

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