Tick Talk: Naturalist Notes
What is the most frightening four-letter word? If you answered "tick," you are not alone in your sentiment. 'Tis the time of year to be cautious of these eight-legged creatures.
The mere thought of encountering a tick can send shivers down people's spines and instill a fear of venturing into the outdoors. However, understanding how to prevent tick bites and what to do after being outdoors can help alleviate some of the fear.
Ticks belong to the arachnid class, and Michigan is home to over 20 different tick species. They are commonly found in natural habitats like tall grasses, wooded areas, or fields adjacent to wooded areas. While they are most active from April to September, ticks can be active whenever the temperature exceeds 40°F. Unlike insects, ticks cannot jump or fly. Instead, they latch onto humans and pets when they brush against plants where ticks are perched. Ticks bite to feed on blood, and many of them perish if they fail to find a suitable host.
In Michigan, the prevalent tick species is the American dog tick or wood tick, constituting 70% of all identified ticks in the state. This tick can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. The black-legged tick or deer tick accounts for 20% of identified ticks and is capable of carrying Lyme disease. The lone-star tick represents 5%, the woodchuck tick 3%, and the brown dog or kennel tick 1% of submitted ticks in the state. The remaining tick species are extremely rare and not associated with human illnesses.
To minimize the risk there are certain precautions you can take. When walking outdoors, stick to the center of trails, apply repellents, and ensure that pants are tucked into socks while shirts are tucked into pants. DEET or permethrin-based repellents are effective in repelling ticks. Opt for repellents containing at least 20-30% DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) to provide several hours of protection on exposed skin and clothing. Always adhere to the instructions provided on the product. Permethrin, on the other hand, should only be applied to clothing. Treat your clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks, and tents, with products containing 0.5% permethrin, as it remains effective even after several washes. Additionally, wearing light-colored clothing can help in spotting ticks more easily if they happen to be on you.
After spending time outside, it is a good practice to conduct a thorough tick check upon returning indoors. Examine your body for any bumps or small brown dots. Start with your feet and gradually work your way up. Check between your toes, behind your knees, in the groin area, buttocks, waistline, belly button, underarms, neck, behind and inside your ears, along the hairline, and on the scalp. It can be helpful to use a fine-toothed comb to brush through your hair. Taking a shower immediately after coming indoors is also recommended.
If you do find a tick attached to your skin, the CDC provides the following recommendations:
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible.
Pull upward steadily and evenly, avoiding any twisting or jerking motions.
After removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Dispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet. If you wish to have the tick identified by your healthcare provider, place it in rubbing alcohol or seal it in a bag/container.
Michigan residents can take advantage of the free Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) expert tick identification. There are two convenient options for submitting ticks for identification. You can either send an email with a picture of the tick to MDHHS-Bugs@michigan.gov, or you can choose to mail the tick directly to MDHHS for identification. Free tick submission kits can be obtained from your local health department, ensuring easy access to the necessary materials for submission.
If you are interested in having your tick identified, see the instructions provided for the MDHHS - Tick Identification and Testing Program.
The primary concern for many individuals when it comes to ticks is Lyme disease. This disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Generally, the tick needs to remain attached for 36 to 48 hours or longer in order for the Lyme disease bacterium to be transmitted. The most effective means of prevention involve avoiding tick bites and promptly removing ticks if found. If you discover a tick embedded in your skin, it would be advisable to seek guidance from your healthcare provider.
Use this resource and don’t get ticked off when you see a tick on your skin. Study it, remove it, and then flush it away!
Submitted by Cathy Wesley, naturalist, June 2023