Ticks in Massachusetts

The Cape Cod area has a prominent tick population, including dog ticks, deer ticks, and Lone Star ticks.  The two ticks which transmit disease to humans most frequently are the black-legged tick (deer tick) and Lone Star tick. 

Tick-borne diseases can include Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Powassan disease, and development of an allergy to red meat.  Preventing tick bites is the best way to avoid getting one of these illnesses.

How to protect yourself from tick-borne illness:

Avoid tick bites by following these tips:
  • wear light colored clothing that covers arms and legs
  • spray clothing and shoes with Permethrin spray to kill ticks on contact
  • use insect repellents such as DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE)
  • thoroughly check yourself and your pets after being outdoors

For more information visit:

Tick Information - CDC

Massachusetts Tick Information - Mass.gov

Tick Testing and Identification Services - Mass.gov

Barnstable County Public Health - Section "Ticks and Lyme Disease"