According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) more cases of Lyme disease are being reported across Michigan. Lyme disease is spread through infected blacklegged ticks (Deer ticks). Ticks are found in shady, moist areas that are grassy or wooded. They are most active during April-September.
There are ways to help prevent tick bites:
Stay on well groomed trails and avoid high grass, brush and fallen leaves.
Check your clothes and skin for ticks after you have been in areas where ticks live.
You can put your clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes or more to kill any ticks you missed.
Use insect repellent when going on hikes or walks in wooded areas.
Check you pets for ticks to protect them and prevent ticks from coming in the house.
It is important to keep your lawn cut and remove dead leaves, brush and weeds. This reduces living space for ticks. Installing wood chips, mulch or gravel between lawn and wooded or shrub/grassy areas will help keep ticks from surviving.
For more information about ticks and Lyme disease visit www.michigan.gov/lyme or www.michigan.gov/EnviroHealth
