Ticks in Michigan: Weather Impact and Timing
Introduction: The tick population in Michigan is heavily influenced by weather conditions, with the recent mild winter having significant effects, according to experts.
Warm Winter Impact: Michigan and the wider Great Lakes region experienced the second warmest winter on record, which has disrupted the typical dormancy of ticks during colder months. Instead, Jean Tsao, a Professor at MSU, notes that ticks remained active throughout the winter due to the mild temperatures.
Shifted Peak Activity: Traditionally, tick activity peaks in April and May, but Tsao suggests that the warm conditions may have advanced this peak to March and April. This early activity could mean that the peak has already passed, potentially catching people off guard if they remained indoors during March.
Lifecycle Reminder: Tsao highlights the three stages of tick development: larvae, nymph, and adult. The ticks observed early in the year are full-grown adults, with nymphs, also capable of transmitting diseases, expected to peak in June.
Future Activity Expectations: While there might be a slight decrease in tick activity during August and September, Tsao predicts a resurgence in the fall. Weather conditions, particularly dry spells, will continue to influence tick populations throughout the summer.
Previous Year Influence: The weather from the previous spring also plays a role in tick populations. A dry spring and early summer, as experienced last year, can suppress tick numbers, offering some hope for reduced tick activity this summer.
Disease Concerns: Despite the warm winter, Tsao suggests that the incidence of disease-infected ticks may not necessarily increase. Additionally, she notes that tick activity in the upcoming summer months will largely depend on weather conditions, with drier weather potentially leading to fewer ticks.
