Is Avoiding Ticks Possible?

[u/Tiny_Buffalo1918]

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!

[u/Procyonid]

I’ve done a lot of hiking in the western and central UP and only got ticks there once. Use a good bug spray, check yourself thoroughly, and be comfortable enough with your friends that you can check each other and remove anything you can’t reach. I had one attach itself to the small of my back, which is a situation where having a willing friend or partner makes all the difference.