Deer Ticks Are Already Out, Thanks To MN's Wimpy Winter

MINNEAPOLIS — You may be loving Minnesota's historically warm winter, but there are serious drawbacks to a year without much cold weather.

"First deer tick of 2024 found by our very own Dakota County Field Operations Supervisor, Brian, today," wrote the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District on social media on Monday.

"With this warm spell we've been experiencing, it was only a matter of time... Remember to check for ticks after being out in woods & brush!"

Deer ticks, also known as blacklegged ticks, one of the thirteen known tick species in Minnesota, according to the state's Department of Natural Resources.

Deer ticks are unfortunately potential carriers of Lyme disease, human anaplasmosis, and babesiosis.

The DNR suggests residents check and re-check for ticks when they are in tick-infested areas, which include thick grass and brushy areas.

Additionally, the DNR suggests:

When in deer tick habitat, walk in the center of the trail to avoid picking up ticks from grass and brush.

Wear light colored clothing so ticks will be more visible. Long pants, socks or tick gaiters and appropriate footwear such as closed-toe shoes or boots are strongly encouraged.

Create a barrier to ticks by tucking pants into socks or boots and tuck long sleeved shirt into pants.

Use a repellent containing DEET or permethrin, and carefully follow the directions on the container.

After being outdoors in tick habitat, get out of your clothes immediately, do a complete body check, shower and vigorously towel dry. Wash your clothes immediately as to not spread any ticks around your living area. Pets should also be checked for ticks.

The typical tick season runs from mid-May through mid-July. Learn more here.