REGION – The concept of “the more there merrier” holds true for many gatherings, but some guests definitely are not invited for holiday weekend plans: ticks. These tiny pests are more active in the warmer months (think: April through September), but remember to be vigilant anytime the outdoor temperature is higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Though warm-weather outdoor activities surely increase the possibility of encountering a tick, there are several easy ways to protect yourself and your loved ones against tick bites and tick-borne diseases.
Wearing long pants, tall socks and light-colored clothing and applying insect repellent can help ward them off. If you’re in the forest or on the trails, try to stick to well-groomed trails and avoid high grass, brush and fallen leaves. Performing daily tick checks on yourself, your family and pets is just as important, too.
For help with tick identification, protection tips, tick-removal methods and other helpful resources, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ ticks webpage.
