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Ticks in Northern Michigan: What to Know (Without Letting It Ruin Your Trip)

As the weather warms up in Northern Michigan, everything we love about Up North comes to life—longer days, crackling campfires, hiking trails, and relaxing nights under the stars.


But… let’s be honest.


Bug season shows up right on cue.

Mosquitoes, flies… and yes, ticks.


Before you panic and cancel your outdoor plans—don’t.


At Sandy’s Up-North Sanctuaries (SUNS), we believe in enjoying the outdoors smartly, not fearfully.


Here’s your easy, no-stress guide to ticks in Northern Michigan, how to avoid them, and how we’re helping keep your stay safe and enjoyable.



What Are Ticks (and Why Are They Here)?


Ticks are tiny, blood-feeding parasites (think: distant cousins of spiders).


They rely on hosts like deer, mice, pets… and occasionally humans.


They thrive in Michigan’s wooded and grassy areas, especially in places like:


  • West Branch

  • Mio & Fairview

  • Rifle River Recreation Area

  • Skidway Lake region


Basically… all the beautiful places you came here to enjoy.


The good news?


They’re slow movers and easy to avoid when you know what you’re doing.


Click here for more in-depth information about Ticks & Tick Bites from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) & the National Library of Medicine (NLM)



Where Ticks Hide in Northern Michigan


Ticks don’t fly or jump (thankfully). They hang out low and wait for you to brush past.


Common tick “hangouts” include:


  • Tall grass and overgrown areas

  • Trail edges and wooded borders

  • Leaf piles and forest floors

  • Brushy areas near campsites

  • Around firewood piles and fences


Translation: They love the edges and in-between spaces—not the open, maintained areas where you’ll spend most of your time at SUNS.



How Ticks Actually Get on You


Ticks use a method called “questing.” (Sounds fancy… it’s not.)


They climb onto grass or plants, stick their little legs out, and wait for something (you) to pass by.


Once they hitch a ride, they’ll crawl to cozy spots like:


  • Behind knees

  • Waistbands

  • Under arms

  • Hairline & behind ears


Creepy? A little.


Manageable? Absolutely.



Simple Ways to Avoid Ticks (Without Overthinking It)


You don’t need to suit up like you’re entering a biohazard zone. Just follow a few easy habits:


  • Stick to clear, wider paths when walking or hiking

  • Wear light-colored clothing (easier to spot ticks)

  • Use bug spray (DEET or natural options) before heading out

  • Do a quick check after being outside

  • Keep pets close and check them too


Pro tip: Most tick encounters happen when people wander into tall grass or brush—so staying on paths goes a long way.


Click here to find out more information on Preventing Tick Bites from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).



What to Do If You Find a Tick


First—don’t panic. This is super common and easy to handle.


Here’s what to do:


  1. Remove it right away

    Use tweezers, grab close to the skin, and pull straight out.


  2. Clean the area

    Soap and water works perfectly.


  3. Save the tick (optional)

    Tape it to paper or seal it in a bag if you want to monitor later.


  4. Keep an eye on things

    Watch for symptoms like fatigue, fever, or a rash.


If anything feels off, just check in with a healthcare provider. For a quick read to know more about Lyme Disease, click the link to the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).


There is also more in-depth information about Lyme Disease from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).


Click here for more information on Tick Removal from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).


Here is a quick video on How to Remove a Tick from Your Pet:




What We’re Doing at Sandy’s Up-North Sanctuaries


We don’t just talk about prevention—we actively manage it around the property so you can relax.


Here’s what we’ve put in place:


  • Permethrin-treated mesh barrier along fence lines

  • Regular lawn and brush maintenance

  • Wood chip borders & widened paths (ticks hate dry zones)

  • Cedar oil-based Wondercide treatments around perimeter areas

  • Natural essential oil treatments inside the Happy Camper

  • Bug spray available for guest use


In short: we’ve designed the space so you can enjoy nature without feeling like you’re in the middle of it.



Your 2-Minute Outdoor Routine (Easy + Effective)


Before heading out:


  • Apply bug spray

  • Stick to open paths

  • Keep pets nearby


When you get back:


  • Quick clothing check

  • Full tick check (ankles, knees, waist, hairline)


That’s it. No stress, no overthinking.


Check out the video for more information:



Enjoy Northern Michigan—The Way It’s Meant to Be


Yes, ticks are part of the Northern Michigan outdoor experience—just like campfires, fishing, and stargazing.


But with a little awareness (and a lot of prevention), they don’t have to impact your trip at all.


At Sandy’s Up-North Sanctuaries, our goal is simple:

Give you the best of Up North—without the worries.


So go ahead…


Relax. Explore. Breathe in the fresh air.


We’ll handle the rest.


 
 
 

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