Tick season is in full swing for Michiganders, and this year the state's tick problem is worse than ever.
The risk of tick-related illnesses such as Lyme disease is on the rise, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, as ticks such as the black-legged tick increase their numbers.
And where there are ticks, there are surely tick “nests” to be found. These gelatinous, caviar-like clusters of eggs are anything but appetizing and, should you find one, will undoubtedly make your stomach drop. Here's what you need to know when it comes to tick eggs.
What do tick nests look like?
First and foremost, a tick “nest” isn’t really a nest at all. Rather than making a nest, female ticks opt to lay their eggs anywhere they please. This is usually a soft spot, such as a plot of soil or within blades of grass. What might be called a “nest” is simply a mass of sticky eggs.
Tick nests may contain hundreds of eggs but are usually only an inch at most in diameter. The eggs have a murky, orb-like appearance and stick together until they are ready to hatch, which can occur anywhere from weeks to months after the eggs are laid.
What to do if you find a tick nest
Tick nests can generally be found outdoors, near ground level. Once the ticks hatch, they start out as six-legged larvae before growing into eight-legged, parasitic adults. All ticks require a host to survive, so many die before getting a chance to mature, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ticks are resilient animals, so attempting to destroy a tick nest using force will usually yield unpromising results. Tick eggs carry disease much like full-grown ticks do, so you should never attempt to remove a tick nest with your bare hands.
Submerging tick eggs into rubbing alcohol will kill the eggs, but you should be careful to use gloves and other safety precautions before attempting to do so.
How to prevent against tick bites
Ticks that survive past the larva phase carry diseases such as Lyme disease and can spread infections to their host through bites. If not properly prevented or treated, tick-related illnesses can be deadly.
Use precaution when occupying heavily wooded or grassy areas, and check for ticks on your clothes, hair, and body before heading indoors. Ticks are especially attracted to dogs and other furry animals, so remember to check your pet for ticks, especially after long walks or other outdoor activities.
When outside, use insect repellent and try to stick to well-paved areas. Wear hats, long sleeves, and cover up when you can to prevent tick bites.
What to do if a tick bites you
If a tick bites you, you can usually prevent the tick from burrowing further into the skin by removing it with a pair of tweezers. Clean the affected area with rubbing alcohol after removal and seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen.
Tick nests vs. ticks: what to focus on
Proper disposal of tick nests allows for the lessening of the threat of tick-related illness. However, the ticks you'll likely spot this summer will be adults rather than eggs, so keep an eye out and remember to stay prepared.
