Cape Cod is a beautiful place to call home, as well as a destination for people from all over the world. Unfortunately, Tick-Borne Illnesses (TBI) are a risk for anyone enjoying the outdoors while ticks are active. Each season is different, and it's important to be aware of tick behavior on Cape Cod in order to protect yourself, your loved ones and your pets. 

Whether you are a resident of Cape Cod or are just visiting, here is an overview of the seasonal tick activity and how to be proactive in preventing tick bites:

• Winter

During a mild winter, certain species of ticks can still be active as long as temperatures are above freezing and there is no heavy snow cover on the ground. If you have outdoor pets or like to hike during the winter, be sure to perform tick checks after being outdoors - even in the winter! According to the Cape Cod Times "While the ticks may love to hunt for a blood meal in warm, humid weather, they also have a natural antifreeze system that helps them survive cold — even severe cold — weather."

• Spring

As soon as snow melts and temperatures are above freezing, tick activity on the Cape will begin. You may see large adult ticks and small nymphal ticks during this time. It's important to perform daily tick checks and also consider spraying organic tick control to eliminate ticks from around your home as early as possible to reduce the existing population and prevent breeding. 

• Summer

If you are outdoors in sunny areas and the temperatures are high, often tick activity will decrease. However, if you have shaded areas on your lawn and the weather is rainy and cool, you will still see tick activity. Continue performing tick checks on yourself and pets, and apply all natural property sprays to eliminate ticks to tick habitat around the perimeter of your property.

• Fall

Fall is a very active season for ticks, especially adult deer ticks. These are the larger ticks that are associated with many TBI such as Lyme disease. Continuing tick checks on yourself and pets, wear bright clothing to easily see ticks and tuck your pants into your socks until late fall or until temperatures drop below freezing is important to protect from tick bites. Continuing property treatments through the end of fall will also reduce the active population over the winter and into spring.

If you have been bitten by a tick remove it immediately. If you begin to see symptoms of Lyme disease or have other concerns, see a physician immediately. 

Here are more resources from the Town of Brewster Health Department: 

Brewster Health Department
508-896-3701 Extension 120

Barnstable County Department of Health and the Environment Superior Court House
508-375-6613

Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
Deeps and Probate Building
Route 6a Barnstable MA 02630
508-375-6690

Nantucket Board of Health
37 Washington Street
Nantucket, MA 02554
508-228-7266

Each species of tick has different behaviors, seasons, and health risks. If you are interested in exploring our all natural and effective tick control solutions for Cape Cod please contact us today!