Tickborne Illness Information & Prevention
- cmatykiewicz
- May 12
- 2 min read
There are three human-biting tick species in Massachusetts.
What do they look like? | In what season(s) are they most commonly found? | What illnesses can they carry? |
|---|---|---|
Blacklegged (Deer) Tick | Year-round | Lyme disease Babesiosis Anaplasmosis Borrelia miyamotoi (hard tick relapsing fever) Powassan virus |
Lone Star Tick | Spring Summer Fall | Alpha Gal Syndrome (red meat allergy) Ehrlichiosis Tularemia STARI |
American Dog Tick | Spring Summer Fall | Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever Tularemia |
Protect Yourself Outdoors
Personal protective measures are highly effective at reducing your risk of getting a tickborne illness.
Cover your skin. In wooded or grassy areas, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, preferably light-colored to spot ticks easily. Tuck your pant legs into your socks.
Use repellents. Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent with DEET to exposed skin. Treat clothing and gear with permethrin for long-lasting protection.
Be aware of tick habitats. Ticks reside in tall grass, brush, or leaf litter. Walk in the center of trails to avoid contact.
Perform Regular Tick Checks
A thorough tick check is an essential habit after being outdoors. Routinely check yourself, your children, and your pets.
Examine your entire body, focusing on warm areas like under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, and on the scalp.
Shower within two hours of coming inside. This can help wash off unattached ticks and is also a good opportunity to do a tick check.
Inspect your gear, clothes, and pets, as they can carry ticks indoors. Putting your clothes in the dryer on high heat for 6-10 minutes is very effective at killing any ticks that may be on your clothes.
If You Find a Tick
Prompt and proper removal is crucial.
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible.
Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk.
Clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
If you are interested in learning more about the tick:
Upload a picture of the tick to TickSpotters. They will identify what species it might be and the risk of it carrying disease.
Submit the tick to TickReport. They will test the tick for pathogens, which can help inform your medical care if you develop symptoms.
If you are bitten and develop symptoms like a fever, rash, or fatigue, contact your healthcare provider.
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