Ticks in Massachusetts

Written by Phillip George · Last updated: July 24, 2026

Ticks in Massachusetts: what to actually watch for

Massachusetts is one of the most tick-intense states in the country, and its offshore islands are famous in tick-disease research: babesiosis was once nicknamed "Nantucket fever," and Martha's Vineyard is a national hotspot for tularemia. The Cape and islands carry unusually high rates of babesiosis and anaplasmosis alongside Lyme. This guide covers the species, the geography, and how to use the state's well-known tick-testing service.

Key takeaways for Massachusetts

• More than Lyme: Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket see high rates of babesiosis and anaplasmosis, not just Lyme disease.
• Island-specific risks: Martha's Vineyard has a notable tularemia problem tied to dog ticks and landscaping activities.
• Testing is easy here: UMass Amherst's TickReport service tests mailed-in ticks, with a Massachusetts subsidy.

Which ticks you'll actually encounter

• Blacklegged / deer tick (Ixodes scapularis) — the dominant vector, spreading Lyme, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, and Powassan. Especially dense on the Cape and islands.
• American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) — common statewide; on Martha's Vineyard it is linked to tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• Lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) — expanding on the Cape and islands; can cause alpha-gal syndrome.

Source: Mass.gov — Tick-borne diseases.

Where and when risk is highest

Risk is high across most of the state, but Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and the southeastern mainland stand out for both blacklegged and lone star ticks. Ticks are active in every mild month; blacklegged nymphs peak from May through July, the period behind most Lyme, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis cases. Dune grass, brush, and wooded trails are the highest-exposure spots.

Tick-borne diseases reported in Massachusetts

• Lyme disease — common statewide.
• Babesiosis — notably high on Cape Cod and the islands ("Nantucket fever").
• Anaplasmosis — increasing, from the same blacklegged tick.
• Tularemia — a Martha's Vineyard–specific concern tied to dog ticks and landscaping.
• Powassan virus — rare but serious.

For symptoms and timelines, see our tick-borne disease symptoms in humans guide.

Found a tick in Massachusetts? Do this

1. Remove it promptly with fine-tipped tweezers — follow our tick removal guide. Save the tick.
2. Test it: submit the tick to TickReport (UMass Amherst Laboratory of Medical Zoology), which identifies the species and tests for many pathogens; Massachusetts residents may qualify for a subsidized fee.
3. Record the date and location and watch for a rash or flu-like symptoms for several weeks.
4. Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop — babesiosis and anaplasmosis matter here, not only Lyme.

Official Massachusetts resources

• Mass.gov — Tick-borne diseases
• Mass.gov — Lyme disease
• Mass.gov — Tick identification & testing services
• TickReport (UMass Amherst) — mail-in tick testing
• CDC — What to do after a tick bite

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