Tick species are increasingly common across Michigan. Understanding their habitats and the health risks they pose helps residents and visitors protect themselves when enjoying Michigan’s natural areas.
Understanding Michigan’s Tick Population
Michigan’s diverse landscapes, from forests to grassy fields, provide suitable habitats for several tick species. While over 20 species exist, a few are noteworthy for their prevalence and disease transmission potential. Ticks are most active from spring through fall, though warmer winters can extend their activity year-round.
The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) is the most commonly encountered tick in Michigan, comprising about 70% of submitted ticks. These larger, brown ticks have ornate white markings. Widespread in forests and grassy areas, they are active from early May to November and readily bite humans and companion animals.
The blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), also known as the deer tick, accounts for approximately 20% of submitted ticks. These smaller ticks have a reddish abdomen, black scutum, and black legs. Their range is expanding throughout both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas, especially in wooded and brushy areas. They are active from early spring to late fall, or whenever temperatures are above freezing, with peak nymph activity from May through August.
The lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is occasionally found in Michigan, less common than the American dog or blacklegged tick, comprising about 5% of submitted ticks. Adult females are reddish-brown with a distinct white spot on their back. Aggressive biters of humans and animals, they are typically found in wooded or grassy areas, with established populations in southwestern Michigan.
Health Risks from Tick Bites
Tick bites can transmit various pathogens, leading to several diseases in Michigan. Lyme disease is the most common.
Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is primarily transmitted by the blacklegged tick. Cases in Michigan have increased significantly, with a 168% rise over the last five years. Early symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, and a characteristic bull’s-eye rash (erythema migrans), which may appear days to weeks after a bite. Untreated, Lyme disease can affect joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
Anaplasmosis, linked to the blacklegged tick, is the second most common tick-borne illness in Michigan. Cases have seen a nearly fivefold increase. Symptoms typically appear 1-2 weeks after a bite and include fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches; a rash is rare. Severe cases can lead to respiratory, kidney, or neurological problems.
Babesiosis, caused by microscopic parasites that infect red blood cells, is also transmitted by the blacklegged tick. Though historically rare in Michigan, locally acquired cases are expected to increase as blacklegged tick populations expand. Symptoms range from asymptomatic to severe, including flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, sweats, headaches, and fatigue, and can lead to hemolytic anemia.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a bacterial disease transmitted by the American dog tick, is rare in Michigan. Symptoms usually begin 2-14 days after a bite and include fever, headache, muscle pain, and sometimes a rash. RMSF can be severe if not treated early.
The lone star tick can transmit ehrlichiosis and, rarely, cause Alpha-gal syndrome, a unique food allergy to red meat.
Tick Prevention and Safe Removal
Preventing tick bites is the most effective way to avoid tick-borne illnesses. When outdoors, especially in wooded, grassy, or brushy areas, wear appropriate clothing.
Long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks create a barrier against ticks. Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin, and permethrin-treated clothing.
After outdoor activities, perform a thorough tick check on yourself, children, and pets. Ticks often attach to hard-to-see areas like the scalp, ears, underarms, belly button, waist, and behind the knees. Showering within two hours of coming indoors can wash off unattached ticks. Tumble drying clothes on high heat for at least 10 minutes can kill ticks on dry garments.
If a tick is found attached, prompt and safe removal is important. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or jerking, which can cause mouthparts to break off. After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Avoid folk remedies like burning the tick or applying petroleum jelly, as these methods can irritate the tick and potentially increase disease transmission. Monitor the bite area and your health for several weeks. Seek medical attention if a rash, fever, muscle aches, or other concerning symptoms develop, and inform your healthcare provider about the tick bite. Early treatment can reduce the risk of serious complications from tick-borne diseases.