Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes and ticks are more than pests; they can carry diseases which can make you very sick. About 3,000 different species of mosquitoes have been identified worldwide, 51 of which have been found in Massachusetts.

Most mosquito bites will only cause itching or skin irritation, but some species in Massachusetts can carry West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Mosquito-borne illnesses can be very severe so taking steps to avoid mosquito bites is important. You can protect yourself by reducing mosquito breeding in your home and using mosquito repellent. The US Environmental Protection Agency has a helpful tool to help you find the repellent that is right for you. 

Visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (mosquitoes) to learn more.

MDPH will resume testing for EEE and WNV in June 2022. Click here to view your local risk levels.

Ticks

Ticks are tiny bugs mostly found in shady, damp, brushy, wooded, or grassy areas. Infected ticks are found throughout Massachusetts and New England, not just on Cape Cod. Ticks do not fly or jump. They attach to animals or people that come into direct contact with them. Deer ticks and dog ticks are found throughout Massachusetts.

The most common tick-borne diseases in Massachusetts are Lyme Disease, Babesiosis, and Anaplasmosis. Other diseases that are more rare, but still occur, are Tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Borrelia miyamotoi, and Powassan virus.

Tick-borne illnesses can be very severe so taking steps to avoid tick bites is important. One of the most important things you can do to protect yourself is check yourself for ticks once a day and after being outside. Using tick repellent is another important prevention measure. The US Environmental Protection Agency has a helpful tool to help you find the repellent that is right for you.

While testing ticks can provide useful information, there are some important things to consider when deciding whether to test a tick. Learn more and see a list of tick identification and testing locations. If you have been bitten by a tick, you should speak to your health care provider.

Visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (ticks) to learn more.

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