Ticks in Michigan are a serious issue, especially in the Upper Peninsula. In 2024, the mild winter brought an early start to tick season. If you’re visiting Lake Superior this year — especially if you’re hiking — it’s essential that you know how to avoid these creepy little bugs. At Cold Coast Travel, we know three different people who have been infected with tick-borne diseases this summer alone!
The good news? You don’t have to stay indoors until the snow falls; it’s completely possible to stay safe from Michigan ticks.
When Does Tick Season Start and End in Michigan?
In Michigan, tick season lasts throughout the warmer months — usually, from April to September. In warmers years, including 2024, the season may be even longer. If you’re outside during these months, it’s important to take preventative action!
Ticks in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Most of the U.P. is included on the Michigan Lyme Disease risk map. The risk is lower in the Keweenaw, but you should still be vigilant.
How to Avoid Tick-Borne Diseases in Michigan
Michigan summers are spectacular! There’s no need to hide out in your house, hotel, or Airbnb when you’re visiting Lake Superior and the Upper Peninsula — with a few easy steps, you can keep yourself safe from ticks in Michigan.
1. Wear the right clothes and sprays
When you’re hiking or spending time outdoors near Lake Superior, make yourself as unfriendly as possible to ticks. The trick is to cover as much skin as possible. Wear close-toe shoes, long pants, and long sleeves; we love a sun hoodie that protects your neck. Tall socks are a good way to keep ticks off your ankles — tuck your pants into them, if possible — and a hat can keep them away from your scalp (hair is the perfect hiding place). Light colors are best — since ticks are dark, they’re easier to spot on light fabrics.
You can also load up on tick repellent; the CDC recommends a product with at least 20% DEET. It doesn’t always smell great, but it’s better to be stinky than sick. While you’re at it, treat your clothes and gear with permethrin or buy permethrin-infused items. (As a bonus, it can also help keep mosquitoes at bay.)
2. Stay on the trail
Ticks like to hang out in trees, grass, and bushes. An easy way to avoid them is to stick to the trail — summer in Michigan is not a great time to go bushwhacking!
While you’re at it, stay away from places that ticks love: tall grass, brushy areas, and places covered with fallen leaves.
3. Do regular tick checks
Scan your skin for ticks regularly, especially when you’re outdoors. The sooner you can spot them, the easier it is to remove them quickly. It can take a few hours before they bite you, so hop in the shower immediately after you’re done with a hike. If that’s not possible, strip down and do a very thorough check. Focus on areas where ticks like to hide, including the hairline, behind your ears, and around your armpits and genitals. (Unfortunately, we’re serious about that one.) The CDC also suggests checking your waist and behind your knees — if you don’t have anyone to help, use a small mirror.
Ticks can hitch a ride in your car, on your gear, and even on your pets. Do a full sweep to reduce your risk of getting bit later. Consider leaving your gear in the bathtub; as ticks crawl, you can spot them easily on the white surface.
4. Remove ticks quickly
If you can remove a tick within 36 hours, it’s possible to prevent them from transferring the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Just make sure to use the correct procedure:
- Use tweezers to pull the tick straight up and out of your skin with steady pressure.
- Don’t twist or pull suddenly; this can leave parts behind. And don’t use matches!
- Clean the bite with soap, iodine, or antibacterial solution.
- Put the tick in a small plastic bag, and place it in the freezer to kill it. If you get sick, your doctor will want to see it. If that’s not possible, take photos from multiple angles. Alcohol will also kill ticks.
If the tick is swollen and fat when you find it, it could mean that it’s been on your skin for several days (the swelling is likely due to your blood). When that’s the case, see a doctor ASAP to get preventative medications.
5. Monitor tick bites closely and see a doctor if necessary
Once the tick is out, keep an eye on the bite. If it develops a rash or a red ring, see a doctor immediately. The same goes if you’re not sure when the tick bit you, or if you develop a fever. Early treatment may be able to prevent tick-borne diseases.