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TICKS
ARE TICKS GETTING YOU TICKED OFF?
The American Dog Tick (Dermacentor Variabilis) is by far the most common tick found in Michigan. They are about the size of a sesame seed and are typically active from early May through November. They readily bite humans and pets, and some ticks are able to spread diseases through their bites. They can pass along bacteria, parasites, and viruses—most of which result in flu-like symptoms. Diseases caused by ticks include Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Heartland virus, Colorado tick fever, Babesiosis and more.
Warning Signs
One tick in your home is too many. It may be an isolated incident or you may have an infestation.
The five most common ticks in Michigan are:
- American Dog Tick
- Woodchuck Tick
- Black-legged Tick
- Lone Star Tick
- Brown Dog Tick
Read more information here from the Michigan Department of Community Health about the five most common ticks in Michigan and how to identify them.
Lyme Disease Symptoms:
- Early localized Lyme disease develops days to weeks after you become infected. You may have: An expanding, circular red rash (erythema migrans).
- Flu-like symptoms, with or without the rash.
- Lack of energy
- Headache and stiff neck
- Muscle and join pain
- Swollen lymph nodes.
Read more information
here from UofM Health.
What To Do
If you find a tick in your house, you should:
- Pick it up with some toilet paper and flush it down your toilet
- Check yourself and your family for ticks
- Repair and seal any crevices or gaps in your home
- Vacuum your house thoroughly
- Dry your clothes on high for 15 minutes to kill any ticks and then wash your clothes
- While tick infestations are rare, we recommend contacting a professional to conduct a thorough review of your home.