With the summer underway, tick season is also underway. Berrien County Health Department Communications Manager Gillian Conrad tells WSJM News there has been an increase in tick activity, which is a problem considering the bugs cause lime disease and other illnesses. So where will you run into them?
“Ticks really love some of the tall dune grassy areas,” Conrad said. “So if you’re going for a walk at the Warren Dunes, for instance, or any area that’s brushy, wooded, might have taller grass or umowed sorts of areas.”
Conrad says if you’re going to be in such an area, wear long pants and sleeves. That’s not all.
“It’s a good idea to spray yourself with some bug spray. Bug spray that contains an active ingredient like DEET is really good at preventing ticks and mosquitoes from biting you. Both of those bugs can carry diseases.”
Conrad advises checking yourself for ticks when you get home from a hike. Check your legs, ankles, back of your neck, and hair. The state has a website where you can send in pictures of a tick you find to learn what it is. You can learn more right here.
