04/29/2026
Tick season is here in Massachusetts. You are at risk any time you are in grass, brush, or wooded areas. That includes your own yard.
Here is what you need to know.
Ticks in Massachusetts can carry diseases like Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis. Early prevention matters.
Protect yourself
• Wear light colored clothing so you can spot ticks
• Wear long sleeves and long pants when possible
• Tuck pants into socks when walking in tall grass or woods
• Use EPA approved insect repellent with DEET or permethrin
• Stay on cleared trails and avoid brush
Check yourself
• Do a full body check after being outside
• Pay close attention to behind knees, under arms, around ears, and scalp
• Shower within 2 hours of coming indoors
Check your kids and pets
• Ticks often come inside on clothing, gear, and animals
• Run clothes in a hot dryer for 10 minutes to kill ticks
Remove ticks quickly
• Use fine tipped tweezers
• Grab the tick close to the skin
• Pull straight out with steady pressure
• Clean the area with soap and water
Watch for symptoms
• Rash
• Fever or chills
• Fatigue
• Joint or muscle pain
If you develop symptoms after a tick bite, contact your healthcare provider.
A few minutes of prevention can prevent serious illness.
