It is not your imagination, ticks are beyond plentiful in Michigan this year. So, what’s behind this boom in population? And what can we do to keep ourselves safe from the disease-spreading pests? On today's episode, we get a couple of tick experts to answer your questions.  GUESTS:  Howard Russell, entomologist at Michigan State University Jean Tsao, associate professor in MSU’s Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. You can find The Tick App, one of the projects Jean works on, here. The info you add on the app can help researchers like her track ticks in Michigan.  Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way. If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work. Stateside’s theme music is by 14KT. Additional music by Blue Dot Sessions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.