Why Ticks Are So Bad This Year in Michigan

Michigan homeowners are noticing one thing this year more than ever: ticks are everywhere.



From backyard patios to walking trails and even neighborhood parks, tick activity has exploded this season. At Brent’s Bugs, we’ve had more customers asking about ticks than usual — and there are several reasons why they seem worse this year.

Mild Winters Help Ticks Survive

One of the biggest reasons tick populations increase is warmer winters.


Normally, long periods of freezing temperatures help reduce tick survival rates. But when winters are milder, more ticks survive and become active earlier in the spring.


That means:


  • More adult ticks survive
  • Tick season starts earlier
  • Tick populations grow faster


Even a few warmer weeks during winter can make a big difference in how many ticks appear once temperatures rise.

Wet Weather Creates Perfect Tick Conditions

Ticks thrive in moist, humid environments.


If Michigan experiences a rainy spring or early summer, ticks have an easier time surviving in:


  • Tall grass
  • Wooded areas
  • Leaf piles
  • Overgrown landscaping
  • Shady backyards


Moisture keeps ticks from drying out, which allows them to stay active longer throughout the season.

Wildlife Brings Ticks Into Your Yard

Deer, mice, squirrels, raccoons, and other wildlife are major tick carriers.


As wildlife populations move through neighborhoods searching for food and shelter, they bring ticks directly into residential areas.


Many homeowners are surprised to learn that you do not need to live in the woods to have a tick problem. Ticks can easily spread into suburban yards through:


  • Fences
  • Brush lines
  • Bird feeders
  • Wood piles
  • Pet activity

Tick-Borne Illnesses Are a Growing Concern

Ticks are more than just annoying pests.


Certain ticks in Michigan can carry diseases such as:


  • Lyme disease
  • Anaplasmosis
  • Ehrlichiosis


Because of this, many homeowners are becoming more proactive about tick prevention, especially for children and pets who spend time outdoors.


The longer a tick stays attached, the greater the potential health risk becomes.

How to Reduce Ticks Around Your Home

There are several ways homeowners can reduce tick activity around their property:

Keep Grass Short

Ticks hide in tall grass and shaded areas. Regular mowing helps reduce tick habitat.

Remove Leaf Litter

Leaf piles and brush provide moisture and shelter for ticks and rodents.

Trim Overgrown Landscaping

Cutting back bushes and shrubs improves airflow and reduces damp areas.

Create Separation From Wooded Areas

Adding mulch or stone borders between lawns and wooded spaces can help reduce tick movement.

Protect Pets

Pets frequently bring ticks indoors. Check animals regularly and use veterinarian-recommended prevention products.

Professional Tick Treatments Can Help

In years with heavy tick activity, professional treatments can dramatically reduce populations around your property.


At Brent’s Bugs, we target the areas where ticks hide most:


  • Tall grass
  • Shaded landscaping
  • Fence lines
  • Wooded edges
  • Moist hiding areas


Regular seasonal treatments help create a safer outdoor environment for your family and pets.

Final Thoughts

Ticks are especially bad this year because of a combination of mild winter temperatures, wet conditions, and increased wildlife activity.



The good news is that homeowners can take steps now to reduce tick activity before populations get even worse later in the summer.


If you’re seeing ticks around your home or want to protect your yard this season, Brent’s Bugs can help with professional tick control treatments designed for Michigan properties.


Call Brent’s Bugs today at (517) 740-2158 or visit www.brentsbugs.com to schedule your tick inspection and treatment.

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