Michigan is not without it's share of pests.

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There's our unofficial state bird the mosquito.

frank600/Getty Images
frank600/Getty Images
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Just last week we talked about stink bugs.

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claudiodivizia/Getty Images
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As the weather warms up, we open our windows a bit more in our homes and the bugs ascend from the depths of which they were spawned. More specifically, stink bugs.

Read More: Michigan, We Need To Talk About How Stink Bugs Are Evil

But can we talk about this?

Aaron McEachern via Facebook
Aaron McEachern via Facebook
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The tick.

This past weekend, I had two friends fill me in on their own separate tick stories. I visited Northern Michigan and a friend who stopped by to visit told me he had one bite him on his leg and he noticed it while he was driving home. We had played golf earlier that day. And another friend ventured through some high grass to get to a work site and later that morning he found the critter you see above BEHIND HIS EAR?!?

I can handle mosquitoes and stink bugs. I'd rather not, but they are the lesser of two evils when it comes to these guys.

Wood tick
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They make your skin crawl just looking at them don't they?

You've been cooped up inside. You're wanting to get outside. Go for walks, runs, nature hikes, take the dogs with you. Just be careful you don't bring these guys back inside with you.

There are five different types of ticks in Michigan according to MDHHS and while they are all bad news, the Blacklegged Tick is the one to be on high alert for. Because it can carry Lyme disease and that's really BAD NEWS.

We've got some tips and links for you:

Tick Bite and Tick-Borne Disease Prevention

Ticks and Your Health - this one has a map that shows counties in Michigan with Lyme Disease Risk and Ingham County is one of them.

Know you enemy and more importantly where they are and how to avoid them.

  • Use insect repellents containing no more than 30 percent DEET.
  • Use repellents that contain permethrin on clothing.
  • After spending time outdoors, check your skin and clothes for ticks.
  • See your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of fever, rash, body aches or fatigue (MDHHS)

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