![]() If you discover a tick embedded in your skin, it would be advisable to seek guidance from your healthcare provider."You can prevent tick bites by protecting yourself through clothing, and insect repellent, and by wearing gear pre-treated with permethrin." The most effective means of prevention involve avoiding tick bites and promptly removing ticks if found. Generally, the tick needs to remain attached for 36 to 48 hours or longer in order for the Lyme disease bacterium to be transmitted. ![]() This disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The primary concern for many individuals when it comes to ticks is Lyme disease. If you are interested in having your tick identified, see the instructions provided for the MDHHS - Tick Identification and Testing Program. Free tick submission kits can be obtained from your local health department, ensuring easy access to the necessary materials for submission. You can either send an email with a picture of the tick to or you can choose to mail the tick directly to MDHHS for identification. There are two convenient options for submitting ticks for identification. ![]() Michigan residents can take advantage of the free Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) expert tick identification. If you wish to have the tick identified by your healthcare provider, place it in rubbing alcohol or seal it in a bag/container. Pull upward steadily and evenly, avoiding any twisting or jerking motions.Īfter removing the tick, clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.ĭispose of the tick by flushing it down the toilet. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible. If you do find a tick attached to your skin, the CDC provides the following recommendations: Taking a shower immediately after coming indoors is also recommended. It can be helpful to use a fine-toothed comb to brush through your hair. 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. Start with your feet and gradually work your way up. Examine your body for any bumps or small brown dots. Additionally, wearing light-colored clothing can help in spotting ticks more easily if they happen to be on you.Īfter spending time outside, it is a good practice to conduct a thorough tick check upon returning indoors. 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. Permethrin, on the other hand, should only be applied to clothing. Always adhere to the instructions provided on the product. 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. DEET or permethrin-based repellents are effective in repelling ticks. 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. To minimize the risk there are certain precautions you can take. The remaining tick species are extremely rare and not associated with human illnesses. 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 black-legged tick or deer tick accounts for 20% of identified ticks and is capable of carrying Lyme disease. This tick can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia. ![]() In Michigan, the prevalent tick species is the American dog tick or wood tick, constituting 70% of all identified ticks in the state. Ticks bite to feed on blood, and many of them perish if they fail to find a suitable host. Instead, they latch onto humans and pets when they brush against plants where ticks are perched. Unlike insects, ticks cannot jump or fly. While they are most active from April to September, ticks can be active whenever the temperature exceeds 40☏. They are commonly found in natural habitats like tall grasses, wooded areas, or fields adjacent to wooded areas. Ticks belong to the arachnid class, and Michigan is home to over 20 different tick species. However, understanding how to prevent tick bites and what to do after being outdoors can help alleviate some of the fear. The mere thought of encountering a tick can send shivers down people's spines and instill a fear of venturing into the outdoors. 'Tis the time of year to be cautious of these eight-legged creatures. What is the most frightening four-letter word? If you answered "tick," you are not alone in your sentiment.
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