Ticks more prevalent than in recent years
Ashley TefferFact Box
Tick Tips:
- Embedded ticks should be removed using fine-tipped tweezers.
- Do not use petroleum jelly, a hot match, nail polish or other products.
- Grasp the tick firmly and as closely to the skin as possible.
- Pull tick's body away from the skin.
- Cleanse the area with antiseptic.
- Seek medical attention if illness develops.
Source: www.michigan.gov
Everyone loves to get out and enjoy the great outdoors during the summer season. But this year campers, gardeners and hikers beware: there's something out there lurking in the greenery waiting to make you their host.
Ticks, spider-like insects that burrow into your skin and suck your blood.
"Just from general field observations we have had people identify ticks more so than I have seen in the last few years," said Dan Mullen, Harrisville State Park unit supervisor. "I think there are more out there now than there have been in years."
According to information posted on a DNR Web site, ticks have three stages, larvae, nymph and adult. Normally larval ticks begin to hatch from their eggs in early spring, but in Michigan, there are two possible hatching periods, early spring and early summer. Larval ticks are approximately one millimeter in size and prefer to feast on mammals other than humans.
The nymph stage is the most dangerous stage for human contact. The nymphs readily attach themselves to people, and because of their small size, 1.5 millimeters, they are difficult to see. After the nymph stage is complete the tick transforms into an adult. The transformation from larvae to adult can take up to two years or more.
"They like to harbor in a dark moist nook or cranny in your body like between your toes and under your arm pits," said Karen Schulte, Hoeft State Park administration support. "It would be a good idea to wear appropriate clothing in the woods."
To protect yourself from ticks, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests using a repellent with DEET, wearing light-colored clothing, tucking your pant legs into your socks, wearing shoes instead of sandals, wearing a hat and long-sleeved shirt and walking in the middle of trails away from tall grass and bushes. In addition the CDC said placing clothes into a dryer on high heat effectively kills ticks.
"There's a fair number of them out there," said Dr. Michael Kaufman, research and extension specialist in the Department of Entomology at MSU. "It may actually relate to conditions the year before ... There are a number of things that can affect the population of ticks, i.e., the parents."
According to Mullen ticks are found mainly in the woods and in tall grassy areas, not so much in parks.
"I know we have some up in Negwegon State Park. It's more of a wilderness type area," Mullen said. "Ten miles of foot trail, it's more conducive for that type of critter."
Gregory Kinser, Clear Lake State Park manager, said his park has had several reports from visitors and employees of ticks this season. He believes the best way to avoid ticks is to stay clear of their habitat.
"They're a natural occurrence and for the most part if people avoid heavy wooded areas and stay on designated hiking trails that exposure is lessened," Kinser said.
Experts said simple proactive action such as using DEET spray or wearing boots instead of sandals can decrease the risk of getting bitten and possibly contracting Lyme disease.
Ashley Teffer can be reached via e-mail at ateffer@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689.
