Information on Ticks and Mosquitoes

Information on Ticks and Mosquitoes

Deer ticks and dog ticks are tiny bugs most likely found in shady, damp, brushy, wooded, or grassy areas...even your own backyard. If a human gets bitten by a tick, it can spread diseases like Lyme disease, Tularemia, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Mosquitoes can transmit germs when they bite. In Massachusetts, the diseases linked to mosquitoes are West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus.

You are the best form of prevention against possible mosquito and tick-borne diseases.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Gloucester Health Department strongly recommend that residents and visitors take the following precautions when being active outdoors:

• Wear an EPA-approved mosquito and tick repellent when outdoors, but especially during peak mosquito hours (from dusk to dawn).
• Weather permitting, wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, but especially during peak mosquito hours.
• Use mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens outdoors.
• Repair window and door screens in your home.
• Dump any standing water at least twice weekly.
• Be aware of stagnant water on private property such as uncovered swimming pools - these should be reported to the Health Department.
• Avoid outside areas with obvious mosquito and tick activity.
• Check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks at least once a day or any time you have been outdoors.
• Carefully remove ticks as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers.
• Call your doctor if you develop a rash or fever several weeks after being exposed to ticks.
• Should you find a dead bird on your property, you should avoid directly touching it with your bare hands. Double-bag the bird carcass by using gloves, a shovel or plastic bags on hands and place it in the trash. You should then wash your hands.

For more information and updates, please click on the provided links to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website, or call the Gloucester Health Department at (978) 325-5266.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Tick-borne Diseases

Massachusetts Department of Public Health -Mosquito-borne Diseases

For more information on Ticks and Mosquitoes read the information sheet (PDF).