In Michigan, ticks can carry Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and in rare cases Powassan virus. The blacklegged tick and the American dog tick are the primary species of concern in the Grand Rapids area.
Tick-borne disease is no longer just an East Coast problem. Michigan's tick populations have expanded over the last two decades, and so too have the diseases they carry.
The blacklegged tick (deer tick) is the primary vector for Lyme disease in Michigan. These ticks are becoming more common in western Michigan, and that does unfortunately include the counties around Grand Rapids. Not every blacklegged tick is infected, but infection rates in Michigan have been climbing. This is also the tick responsible for anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and—in rare cases—Powassan virus, notable because it can transmit disease within hours of attachment unlike Lyme disease, which takes 36–48 hours.
The American dog tick is common throughout Michigan and is the primary carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It's also associated with tularemia. Dog ticks are larger and easier to spot than blacklegged ticks, and they're most active in spring and early summer.
The lone star tick has been expanding its range into southern Michigan. It transmits ehrlichiosis and is linked to alpha-gal syndrome, an allergic reaction to red meat triggered by the tick's saliva. There is no cure for alpha-gal syndrome, and once you have it, it must be managed through dietary restriction and there is no cure.
If you are a homeowner in Grand Rapids, the practical takeaway is that multiple types of ticks are present and active from about April to about October. Each carries different pathogens and most, but not all, diseases take 24 hours or more to transmit. No matter what, it’s always smart to remove ticks promptly if you see them attached. If you experience unusual symptoms following a tick bite, don’t be shy about reaching out for medical attention.
If you're tired of worrying about ticks on your Grand Rapids property, Mosquito Squad of Grand Rapids can help. Mosquito Squad provides tick control treatments that target the shaded, brushy, and leaf-litter areas where ticks wait for hosts, reducing your exposure throughout the season.
