Tick-Borne Diseases

All About Ticks

Ticks are tiny bugs found in shady, damp, brushy, wooded, or grassy areas, especially in tall grass. There are three main types of ticks that are found in Massachusetts - black-legged ticks (commonly referred to as deer ticks), dog ticks, and lone star ticks. Some of these ticks can bite you and spread diseases like Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Borrelia miyamotoi, and Powassan virus. Ticks cannot fly or jump, they attach to people or animals when they come into direct contact with you or your animals.

Quick Tips to Protect Against Ticks

The most important thing you can do is check yourself at least once a day for ticks. Make sure to check yourself and your animals especially after being outdoors. Ticks are especially fond of: 

  • Inside and behind the earsPreventing Tick Bites
  • Along the hairline
  • Back of the neck
  • Armpits
  • Legs
  • Groin
  • Behind knees
  • Between toes

Ticks are tiny, so make sure to inspect any new "freckles" you may find during a tick check. Check out: "How to Do a Tick Check". When spending time outdoors, you can reduce your risk of being bit by a tick by sticking to main pathways when hiking, wearing long sleeves, and using bug repellents that contain DEET. Also - discuss with your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your animals from ticks.

If you do find a tick - do not panic! Take a pair of tweezers, grip the tick as close to your skin as possible, and pull straight out. Notify your health care provider if you have been bitten by a tick and develop a rash or start experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, fatigue, or sore and aching muscles.

Tick-borne Disease Fact Sheets

For more information, visit the State's central hub all about Tick-borne Diseases.