The general consensus is that 2017 is going to be a terrible year for ticks in West Michigan. There are three common types of ticks in Michigan: Blacklegged Ticks (Deer Ticks), American Dog Ticks (Wood Ticks), and Lone Star Ticks. Ticks are commonly found in long grasses, brushes, wooded areas, leaf litter, etc.
If you happen to get bitten by a tick in Michigan, remember the following: remove ticks as quickly as possible using tweezers to grasp the head close to the skin and pull gently. After removing the tick, cleanse the bite area with soap and water.
Bug repellent containing no more than 30 percent DEET can be used to prevent tick bites. Permethrin, effective for tick control, can be used on clothing as well.
Besides bug repellent, many homeowners in Michigan opt for professional tick control services. Spraying for ticks, which involves methods similar to mosquito control, is often done using backpack “foggers” that blow tick-killing products in areas where ticks are prevalent, such as wood lines and tall grass areas.