Five common ticks in Michigan include:

1. Dermacentor variabilis (American Dog Tick)
2. Ixodes scapularis (Black Legged Tick)
3. Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star Tick)
4. Ixodes cookei (Woodchuck Tick)
5. Dermacentor albipictus (Winter Tick)

The American Dog Tick is extremely common in southeast Michigan and, thankfully, does not carry Lyme disease. It is known, however, to carry Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) and Tularemia, but reported cases of these two diseases in Michigan are rare. According to the CDC the most common type of Tularemia is Ulceroglandular. It occurs after being bitten by a tick or deer fly. It can also be transmitted from handling an infected animal. An ulcer will appear at the point the bacteria entered the body and regional lymph glands will swell, usually in the arm pit or groin. RMSF symptoms are:

• High fever
• Chills
• Severe Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion or other neurological chages

While these diseases are rare, if you have been bitten by a tick and experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. The American Dog Tick is active from early May through November and can be found in grassy areas.

The Blacklegged Tick is becoming more prominent in southeast Michigan. It is known to carry several diseases such as Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Deer-Tick Virus, Ehrlichiosis, and Lyme disease. Most of these diseases are rare; however, Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in Michigan. Lyme disease symptoms are:

• High fever
• Severe Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea and vomiting

If left untreated it can spread to the joints, heart and nervous system. Lyme disease can be successfully treated with antibiotics. The Blacklegged Tick is normally found on low vegetation along animal and human trails.

The Lone Star Tick is an aggressive biter of humans and house pets. It is known to carry Ehrlichiosis, RMSF and Tularemia. Each of these diseases is rare, but if you have been bitten by a tick or spent time in wooded or grassy areas and experience headaches, fever, nausea and vomiting or muscle aches, seek medical attention as soon as possible. The Lone Star Tick is normally found in wooded and grassy areas.

The Woodchuck Tick is known to carry Powassan Encephalitis. According to the CDC this disease is considered rare, but reported cases are increasing. The incubation period for this disease ranges from 1 week to 1 month. Symptoms are the usual suspects, fever, headache, vomiting, weakness and confusion. The CDC says that 10% of reported cases are fatal and approximately 50% of survivors have permanent neurological symptoms. It is usually found near Skunk and Woodchuck dens and mostly attacks pets, but occasionally will attack humans. The Woodchuck Tick is most active in the early spring, late summer and mid-fall.

Winter Tick is commonly found on deer and elk in northern Michigan. They are uncommon on humans and not known to carry any diseases.

Important facts to remember:

• Ticks need a blood meal every time they advance to the next stage in their life cycle.
• Once a tick has bitten you there is time to remove it before it makes it to your blood vessel.
• Generally, you do not feel the tick bite so you must check yourself after walking in wooded or grassy areas.
• If any symptoms arise after being in wooded or grassy areas seek medical attention right away.
• If you are going to walk in the woods or grassy areas use a product with DEET for your body and permethrin for back packs and clothes.

You can learn more about ticks, how to control ticks in your yard and how to keep ticks out of your yard by visiting http://www.owentree.com/tick_control.php