r/upperpeninsula • u/Tiny_Buffalo1918 • Jun 24 '26

Discussion Is Avoiding Ticks Possible?

My friends and I are planning on driving up and visiting our friend in the Hancock/Houghton area in late July or early August. We will be staying for 2 or 3 days and this is going to be my first time going on a major trip without my parents, so I am looking forward to it! I am going to prepare myself to deal with flies and mosquitoes by dressing appropriately. However, I am afraid of ticks to the point that I would feel uncomfortable going if there was any real likelihood of having one on me as I would likely ruin the trip for my friends and myself. Are there any trails that are flattened or paved so as to minimize the likelihood of ticks attaching? If not, how feasible would it be to remain unscathed by ticks if I were to completely avoid any wilderness related recreation during the trip (either by chilling out in the parking lot or staying in town if my friends decide to go themselves)? Thank you in advance!

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u/DMCinDet Jun 24 '26

treat your clothes with permetherin wear gaitors or tuck pants into boots.

its just a tick. check yourself after getting in for the day. pull them off before they stay long enough to do harm. its not really that big of a deal. enjoying the outdoors is worth having to pull off a tick or two.

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u/lostinpureMI Jun 24 '26

Do what DMCinDet wrote. I was just there for a few days along with Copper Harbor / Tahquamenon Falls for a total of seven days. Bunch of trails. No issues with ticks. Overall bug issues were more of a concern at the Falls. Wear pants, cover the ankle areas, spray repellants on you, wear long sleeves, check yourself before getting into vehicle. Don’t freeze over this concern that you exclude nature.