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Tick season has arrived in Michigan

Longer days, warmer temperatures and rising humidity levels create the perfect storm for ticks.

Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail says hotter weather this Spring has caused them to emerge sooner than expected. Ticks can usually be found in wooded, bushy and grassy areas. “You want to avoid contact with ticks if you can, by you know, one knowing where to expect ticks and avoiding the areas walking in the center of trails, treat your clothing and gear with permethrin," she says.

Vails says not all ticks cause Lyme disease, but Michiganders should especially look out for black-legged or deer ticks. She recommends checking hair, armpits, and extremities for them after spending time outdoors.

As WKAR's Bilingual Latinx Stories Reporter, Michelle reports in both English and Spanish on stories affecting Michigan's Latinx community. Michelle is also the voice of WKAR's weekend news programs.