It’s the height of summer in the Upper Peninsula and the outdoors beckons. This long Independence Day holiday weekend will offer a prime opportunity to venture into the countryside.

While enjoying all the good things the northwoods has to offer, residents and visitors alike are reminded that time spent in the forests, fields or alongside water bodies does carry a hazard: Ticks.

Michigan is home to more than 20 tick species, some of which can carry dangerous pathogens such as the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development warned in a news release.

While not every tick is infected, bites from pathogen-carrying ticks can lead to severe health issues for both people and animals if not promptly diagnosed and treated. But there are ways to reduce the risk of picking up ticks, especially at home, MDARD advised.

“Keeping ticks out of your yard and pasture is a simple but powerful way to protect yourself, your family and your animals,” MDARD Director Tim Boring said. “Whether through integrated pest management strategies or responsible pesticide use, preventing tick bites starts at home.”

Some simple pest management practices that can help minimize ticks on home property include —

— Trim back tall grasses and brush around homes, barns/sheds and along lawn and pasture edges;

— Create a 3-foot barrier of wood chips or gravel between property and wooded areas to limit tick movement;

— Keep lawns and pastures mowed and regularly remove leaf litter;

— Stack firewood neatly in a dry area to deter rodents, which are common tick hosts;

— Place patios, decks and playsets in sunny, dry areas, away from wooded edges, shrubbery, and tall grasses and weeds.

If turning to a chemical insect repellent or pesticide to deter ticks, MDARD cautions to do so responsibly —

— Always follow label directions and wear personal protective equipment or clothing when specified by the label;

— Store all pesticides in original, labeled containers out of reach of children and pets;

— Use only the recommended amount – more is not better and may pose health risks;

— Wash hands and clothes thoroughly after use;

— Use the Environmental Protection Agency website to help choose an insect repellent;

— If hiring a professional, find a licensed pesticide applicator at Michigan.gov/MDARDPABL.

Tick prevention practices aren’t just for humans, either.

Pets, companion animals and livestock should be regularly checked for ticks, with special attention paid to around the animals’ eyes, ears, limbs, tail and feet. MDARD recommends animal owners consult their veterinarian about tick treatments as well.

“Preventing tick bites is the best way to prevent tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease and anaplasmosis,” Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian said. “Make sure you perform thorough tick checks and if you find a tick attached to your body, promptly remove it. Monitor your health and, if you experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches or other symptoms, or if you suspect a tick has been attached for more than 24 hours, consult with your medical provider.”

For more information about tick identification, removal and tick-borne illnesses, go online to Michigan.gov/Lyme or Michigan’s Emerging Diseases webpage at https://www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.