MA Tick Warning: Pestilent Bloodsuckers A Threat After Warm Winter, State Says

MASSACHUSETTS — A warmer, less snowy winter is great during the depths of January and February, but residents in Massachusetts may pay a toll for the mild winter now that spring is here.

The state Department of Conservation on Friday issued a broad warning about a potentially higher tick population this spring and summer thanks to a warmer winter.

"Due to warmer winter temperatures, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) would like to remind all visitors that we are likely to see a rise in ticks," the state said in a news release Friday.

Ticks usually stop their bloodsucking during the fall and winter, but if temperatures remain above normal, they can remain active — and that means breeding, too.

Ticks carry a host of serious diseases. The common deer tick (also called a black-legged tick) spreads Lyme, while the equally common dog tick carries a bacterium that causes the potentially deadly Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. A case of the serious Powassan virus was recently confirmed in Massachusetts thanks to a tick.

DCR is offering tips to help residents protect themselves and their pets during the spring and summer:

• Wear long sleeves, pants, and closed-toe shoes in tick-prone areas, especially wetlands and areas with tall plants and grass. Opt for light-colored clothing for easier tick detection and removal.
• Apply EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin and clothing.
• Conduct thorough tick checks on yourself, children, and pets after outdoor activities. Pay close attention to hidden areas like underarms, behind knees, and around the hairline.
• Educate yourself and others about the signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses, such as fever, rash, and fatigue.

See Also:

• These Venomous Snakes May Join You On Walks, Jogs And Hikes Around MA