Get ready, Michigan. Experts warn that tick season in our state could be worse than normal.

SEE ALSO:  Nine Plants That Mosquitos Absolutely Hate

Ticks have long been associated with states on the east coast, while the insects are relatively new to us here in the Mitten State. Howard Russell is an entomologist at Michigan State University. He tells WXYZ-TV that ticks were practically unheard of in Michigan up until about 15 years ago.

“Michiganders are still getting used to ticks,” Russell says. "We’ve just been lucky here in the Lower Peninsula until the last 15 years. We’ve had very few ticks."

Russell says we've recently seen a dramatic increase in deer ticks, the ones that cause Lyme disease.

He goes on to say that more ticks are being spotted as the weather starts to get warmer. Other experts say climate change means Michigan will see an increase in the number of ticks we see this year.

A Little Anecdotal Evidence

My daughter-in-law posted this warning on Facebook about 10 days ago, illustrating that ticks are already showing up here in Michigan.

"PSA... Charleigh was playing in the woods this afternoon and came in itching. We pulled a tick off her back....they are already at it. Check your kiddos!!!"

 

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Russell says that people have been using repellents to keep their dogs safe from ticks for a long time and now it's just as important to use repellents that are safe for adults and children. He also says that tick inspections are vital.

“Conduct very thorough tick inspections at the end of the day. Check the kids out, check yourselves out and remove them when you find them. I recommend tweezers — grab it where it’s attached to the skin and pull it off,” he said.

 

Get Planting: 10 Deer Resistant Flowers & Plants

We plant, and the deer eat. Not that we mind seeing the adorable four-legged friends making their way around our yards, but when they turn our hard work into their private banquet, that's a different thing. Planting these flowers & plants may keep Bambi and the gang away from your flower beds and gardens.

This House of Mirrors is Super Shiny Inside (and a wee bit Hideous)

This house of mirrors, located in Oakbrook, Illinois, is something to see.

The owners put mirrors everywhere they could think of, including the edges of the pool table.


A Nostalgic Look Back Inside the Infamous Auker Mansion of Grand Blanc

The big house with the large gates on Belsay Road in Grand Blanc, Michigan has been as mysterious as the man who built the massive 14,000+ square foot home that resembled more of a palace than a Midwest home. The late builder Eldon Auker was known for his creativity and flamboyance on some levels, his mansion reflected every bit of that. With its 20 foot ceilings, majestic staircase, and a 3000 square foot bedroom, the home was a showplace. Sold in 2020, it's hard to know if changes were made to the once amazing estate, but it's exciting to be able to take a little look back in time to what once was.

More From WFNT