parks
Tick activity is on the rise this year; here's how hikers can protect themselves
By Jeffrey Lindblom at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News
· June 30, 2026
· 3 min read
Whether you're hiking, biking, hunting or just enjoying the outdoors, summer in Michigan means sharing the trails with wildlife, and unwelcome pests. Experts say tick activity is on the rise this year, and one type can even cause a red meat allergy.I spoke to hikers at The Bald Mountain Recreatio...
Key takeaway I think theres a lot of chances out there to encounter some ticks," Ellwood said.
Why this matters in The Detroit
The rise in tick activity this year has significant implications for Detroit -area residents who enjoy outdoor activities in nearby parks and recreation areas. As hikers and bikers flock to spots like The Bald Mountain Recreation Area, they need to be aware of the risks associated with tick bites, including Lyme Disease and the red meat allergy caused by the Lone Star tick. The fact that the Lone Star tick has been established in Berrien County, just a few hours west of Detroit, means that local residents may be at risk when traveling to that area. Epidemiologist Rachel Burkholder's advice to conduct regular tick checks on oneself, children, and pets is particularly relevant for Detroit families who enjoy spending time outdoors together. By taking preventative measures, such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent, Detroit residents can minimize their risk of encountering ticks and enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces that Michigan has to offer.
About this story
Original reporting by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . The Detroit surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: June 30, 2026 ·
Source: WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Whether you're hiking, biking, hunting or just enjoying the outdoors, summer in Michigan means sharing the trails with wildlife, and unwelcome pests. Experts say tick activity is on the rise this year, and one type can even cause a red meat allergy.I spoke to hikers at The Bald Mountain Recreatio...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 30, 2026 by WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News and curated for The Detroit readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jeffrey Lindblom at WXYZ Channel 7 (ABC Detroit) - News. To learn more about how The Detroit selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Detroit, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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