Tick Prevention Tips:

Tick exposure can occur year-round, but ticks are most active during warmer months (April-September).

Before You Go Outdoors

• Know where to expect ticks. 
• Treat clothing and gear
• Avoid Contact with Ticks
  • Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.
  • Walk in the center of trails.

After You Come Indoors

• Check your clothing for ticks. Ticks may be carried into the house on clothing. Any ticks that are found should be removed.
  • Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. 
• Examine gear and pets.
• Shower soon after being outdoors.

• Check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Conduct a full body check upon return from potentially tick-infested areas, including your own backyard. Use a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Check these parts of your body and your child’s body for ticks:

  • Under the arms
  • In and around the ears
  • Inside belly button
  • Back of the knees
  • In and around the hair
  • Between the legs
  • Around the waist

Know Your Tick: Common Ticks in Michigan

Michigan is home to several tick species, each with unique characteristics and health risks. The most common include the Blacklegged Tick, Lone Star Tick, and American Dog Tick—and the Asian Longhorned Tick has recently been found in the state.

• Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick) – Can transmit Lyme disease. Females have a dark head and orange-brown body.

• Lone Star Tick – Identified by the white dot on the female’s back. May transmit ehrlichiosis.

• American Dog Tick – Larger and reddish-brown with white markings. Can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

• Asian Longhorned Tick – Recently detected in Michigan. It reproduces rapidly and may spread disease to animals and humans.

Ticks vary in size depending on life stage—nymphs are tiny but still bite and can carry disease.
Use the tick ID chart (PDF) to learn how to identify the ticks you may encounter.