GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Most people know to look out for ticks when going hiking. However, experts say ticks are showing up more and more in backyards, parks and even sidewalks across West Michigan.

With that growing presence comes a greater risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease, which is on the rise in Michigan , with a 168% rise in tick-borne diseases over five years.

“We're definitely seeing ticks in places we haven’t before," said Brendan, Earl Supervising Sanitarian with the Kent Co. Health Dept.

To track where ticks are turning up and which diseases they may be carrying, experts use a method called a tick drag. It's a simple but effective tool that involves pulling a white cloth across grassy or wooded areas to collect and test ticks.

“It’s an effective way to detect ho

See Full Page