MINNESOTA, USA — As the weather gets warmer, the bugs come out to play in Minnesota.
One bug to beware of is the tick. If a tick bite goes unnoticed, it can develop into Lyme disease and anaplasmosis in humans. University of Minnesota Associate Professor Jon Oliver, who is researching ticks, shared advice on the tick outlook for the summer and how to identify and treat yourself if you receive a bite.
Since the state had wet weather in the summer of 2024, immature ticks were able to thrive and grow into nymphs, according to Oliver. He expected an average number of ticks this summer and adult ticks to make an appearance on days that are warmer than 60 degrees.
Ticks are most often found in forested areas. Oliver advised to wear insect repellents with DEET or other EPA-approved repellents to keep ticks away.
You can also tuck your pant legs into your socks or wear clothes with permethrin in them to keep ticks away from your skin. Make sure to check yourself for ticks after spending time outdoors so that you notice a tick bite sooner rather than later.
If you do find a tick on your body, use tweezers to grab the tick by its mouth where it is entering your skin and pull it straight off. Avoid crushing its body, according to Oliver.
If you develop a rash or flu-like symptoms after you’ve been bitten by a tick, visit your doctor.