Michigan tick population growing, raising Lyme disease concerns
Michigan residents are being urged to take precautions as tick populations grow across the state and Lyme disease cases continue to climb year after year, according to state health officials.
Tick risk real for outdoor enthusiasts
For Toni Spears of Dexter, protecting herself from ticks is second nature, especially when she and her husband, Ken, are gardening.
“I always wear long sleeves and long pants, and I wear boots because that kind of helps,” said Spears.
The couple has spent decades cleaning up Dexter-Huron Metropark, enjoying nature while staying mindful of the risks that come with it, including tick bites.
Spears said she’s already noticed signs that tick season is getting an early start this year.
“I think the ticks are out early because we had a friend visiting, walking his dog in our yard, and picking up a deer tick this weekend, and of course, those are the ones that carry Lyme disease,” Spears said.
Counties taking action to track, collect ticks
Health departments across Michigan are working to monitor the growing tick population.
Macomb and Washtenaw counties both hire interns to collect and identify ticks in their communities.
The scope of what those interns are finding is alarming.
Kristen Schweighoefer, environmental health director for the Washtenaw County Health Department, said the numbers paint a concerning picture.
“In the past, we have seen that over half of the ticks we collect do carry Lyme disease,” Schweighoefer said.
The intern program is ramping up just in time for peak tick season.
“They’re all ending their semesters right now, and so they’ll be starting the following weeks in early May, and we hope to keep them through August,” Schweighoefer said.
How to protect yourself this tick season
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is not discouraging people from spending time outdoors, but it is urging them to take a few simple precautions.
Officials recommend avoiding overgrown grass and brush, wearing clothing that covers the skin, and checking the body for ticks after spending time outside.
Taking those steps, health officials say, can make it possible to enjoy the trails while staying safe.
If you find a tick and want to know more about it, you can photograph it and submit it to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services through its tick identification resource.