I'm already itching and feeling like a bug is crawling up my leg thanks to the latest tick prediction for Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.  You'll want to stock up on some bug spray because we are in for a nasty summer.

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Ticks predicted to be "severe" this summer in Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin

According to Today.com, "this year's tick season is likely to be severe".

The last few years, the trend of tick activity has been increasing according to a scientist that was recently interviewed.  Saravanan Thangamani, a professor in the department of microbiology and immunology at the SUNY Upstate Medical University and director of the SUNY Center for Environmental Health and Medicine, stated that compared to last year at this time he has already seen a 43% increase in the number of ticks submitted for testing.  

We are actually seeing ticks in areas that never reported ticks before.  And I think this trend is going to continue. -Saravanan Thangamani

Read the entire Today.com interview here.

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When are ticks active in Minnesota?

These nasty animals are in our state all year long but we typically see them more active in the months of March to October.

What ticks can we find in Minnesota?

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, the three ticks that are the most common in our state are the following:

  • Deer Tick, which is also called the Blacklegged tick - causes the most tickborne illnesses in Minnesota.
  • Wood Tick, which is also called the American dog tick - People are bit by these ticks the most but they rarely spread diseases.  However, these could spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
  • Lone star tick - these aren't found as often in Minnesota but could spread ehrlichiosis and tularemia.

The Nastiest Bug in Minnesota - the Tick!

They are creepy, crawly and unfortunately are so stealth-like that you don't even know they are on your body sucking your blood. Ticks. Here are a few different types of ticks in Minnesota and a few tips on how you can help prevent tick bites.

You can learn more about these little creatures in our state and images of their lifecycle at the Minnesota Department of Health website. 

Spider Crickets are the grossest bugs to invade homes in Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois

If you ever see a bug like this in your house, get ready to have an exterminator on speed dial.  Spider crickets are disgusting and unfortunately are hiding out in quite a few homes in MinnesotaIowaWisconsin, and Illinois.  And yes, they are currently in mine.   Don't worry though, I've got a few tips for you below to help you out during these unprecedented spider cricket times.

Nasty Facts about the Most Disgusting Insect: Spider Crickets

WARNING: These facts about spider crickets may make your skin crawl.

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