If you've spend any time in Michigan during the summer, you know that Michigan has its fair share of bugs.

So, it's probably no surprise that Michigan is home to a number of tick species that will bite you.

WHERE TICKS LIVE:
Ticks are typically found in wooded or brushy areas with tall grass and leaf litter, according to a press release from the CDC.

DISEASES TICKS CARRY:
The ticks mostly commonly encountered by people in Michigan include the American dog tick, which can carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and the blacklegged tick, which can spread a number of human illnesses, including Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is an emerging disease due to the expansion of tick populations in Michigan’s western Upper and Lower Peninsulas and is the most common tick-borne disease reported in the state with 128 human cases reported in 2014, the second highest number ever seen in Michigan.
WHEN TO BE ON GUARD:
The period from June to September is of concern because of the poppy-seed sized nymphal-stage tick, which is responsible for much of the Lyme disease in the U.S. While rare, human cases of Rocky Mountain spotted fever have also been documented in Michigan.
WATCH OUT FOR THESE SYMPTOMS:
Many tick-borne diseases have similar symptoms. See your healthcare provider if you develop signs of illness such as a fever, body aches and/or rash in the days after receiving a tick bite or recreating in tick habitat.  Early recognition and treatment can decrease the chance of serious complications.HOW TO PREVENT TICK BITES:
  • Avoid tick-infested areas. This is especially important in May, June, and July. If you are in tick infested areas, walk in the center of trails to avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush, and leaf litter at trail edges.
  • Use insect repellent. Spray repellent containing a 20 percent concentration of DEET or Picaridin on clothes and on exposed skin. You can also treat clothes (especially pants, socks, and shoes) with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact or buy clothes that are pre-treated. Permethrin can also be used on tents and some camping gear. Do not use permethrin directly on skin. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying any repellents.
  • Bathe or shower. Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within 2 hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you. Ticks can get a ride indoors on your clothes. After being outdoors, wash and dry clothing at a high temperature to kill any ticks that may remain on clothing.
  • Perform daily tick checks. Always check for ticks after being outdoors, even in your own yard. Because ticks must usually be attached for at least a day before they can transmit the bacteria that cause Lyme disease, early removal can reduce the risk of infection. Inspect all body surfaces carefully, and remove attached ticks with tweezers. Grasp the tick firmly and as closely to the skin as possible. With a steady motion, pull the tick’s body away from the skin. Do not be alarmed if the tick’s mouthparts remain in the skin. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic.
Photo: Stephen Chernin, Getty Images
Photo: Stephen Chernin, Getty Images
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