Tick infestations and activity in the lower Peninsula of Michigan has been increasing over the past few years and there are some specific things you can do to stay safe. When on a hike, walk in the center of the trail. Wear light colored clothing to make ticks easy to spot. Apply an insect repellent containing at least 20% DEET. Consider wearing clothing treated with permethrin when hiking or working in wooded areas. Also consider placing your clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 60 minutes upon returning from potential exposure areas to kill the ticks. In our region, the greatest time of risk is from April through September.