Tick habitats and associated diseases identified in several Michigan recreational areas, according to state health department surveillance.
Key Locations and Tick Habitats
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Tick exposure is highest in wooded areas with leaf litter, consistent with blacklegged tick habitats.
- Menominee River Corridor: Humid woodlands support established blacklegged tick populations; Lyme disease and anaplasmosis are reported.
- Fort Custer Recreation Area: Oak forests and wetlands provide habitat for blacklegged ticks; Lyme disease is a concern.
- Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park: Old-growth forests with damp ground conditions support blacklegged ticks; Lyme disease and anaplasmosis occur.
- Berrien County Dune and Woodland Corridor: Inland dune forests and grassy areas are blacklegged tick habitats; Lyme disease is documented.
Tick Species and Diseases
- Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are the primary vector for Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.
- American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis) are a vector for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Prevention Recommendations
Avoid contact with brush. Perform regular tick checks after being outdoors.
- Use EPA-registered repellents.
- Shower and change clothes after returning home.
Resources
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services MiTracking dashboard.
- Michigan State University Extension and county health departments provide tick identification and prevention guidance.