Warning! Ticks Are Everywhere and We’re Being Invaded!

ARE TICKS INVADING MICHIGAN?

It sure seems like it. Ticks are everywhere, and the tick population seems to be growing bigger.

Reddit/Michigan had a great conversation regarding ticks. Apparently ticks are very bad this year in Michigan so if you are spending any time outdoors, you need to be extra careful and check your skin and clothing .

WHY SHOULD WE WORRY ABOUT TICKS?

They spread disease, from Lyme disease, to Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and a deadly meat allergy.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services published a map of Michigan showing the counties at risk for tick spread Lyme disease, and, WOW, it's most of Michigan and all of West Michigan, Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon, Allegan counties included.

These creepy little critters like to suck you blood, and with the possibility of a disease, they are nothing to mess around with.

Not only should you check yourself for ticks, but your pets, too.

The Detroit Free Press said if you do find a tick, don't panic. First of all some ticks don't carry a disease. But even if this one did it takes 24-hours before it spreads.

HOW DO YOU REMOVE A TICK!

A Detroit Free Press article said:

• Remove the tick with tweezers at an even, steady rate to ensure it does not break off. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns against using your bare hands or methods of burning it off, as the goal is to keep the tick intact and remove it as quickly as possible.
• Clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
• Dispose of the tick by wrapping it carefully and putting it in a sealed container or flushing it down the toilet.

Then call your doctor and get treated right away.

The same for your pets. Check them over after being outside, do the same procedure as you would yourself, then call the vet.

Stay safe this summer!