With many of us traveling to Martha's Vineyard, and some lucky ones who live there year-round, it's important to be aware of the tick species on the island and the best way to protect ourselves and our families so we can enjoy the beautiful beaches and explore the landscape. Based on the deer density of the island and weather conditions, the tick populations are active in high numbers almost every season.

Martha's Vineyard Board of Health reported that in 2011, 25% of people ages 5 to 18 have been treated for Tick-Borne illnesses (TBI) one or more times, and 54% reported a family member being treated for TBI. Tourists especially are at risk as many are not aware of the symptoms and do not seek medical treatment. 

The best prevention is awareness. Learn the differences between the ticks and identify which are on your property:

1. Blacklegged Tick (a.k.a. Deer Tick)

Black-legged ticks take 2 years to complete their life cycle and are found predominately in deciduous forest. Their distribution relies greatly on the distribution of its reproductive host, white-tailed deer. Both nymph and adult stages transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Babesiosis, and Anaplasmosis. (Source: TickEncounter Resource Center)

2. American Dog Tick

American Dog ticks are found predominantly in areas with little or no tree cover, such as grassy fields and scrubland, as well as along walkways and trails. They feed on a variety of hosts, ranging in size from mice to deer, and nymphs and adults can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Tularemia. American dog ticks can survive for up to 2 years at any given stage if no host is found. Females can be identified by their large off-white scutum against a dark brown body. (Source: TickEncounter Resource Center)

3. Lone Star Tick

Lone Star ticks are found mostly in woodlands with dense undergrowth and around animal resting areas. The larvae do not carry disease, but the nymphal and adult stages can transmit the pathogens causing Monocytic Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and 'Stari' borreliosis. Lone Star ticks are notorious pests, and all stages are aggressive human biters. These are new to Martha's Vineyard, and you should report if you see one immediately to the board of health. (Source: TickEncounter Resource Center)

• Emergency Room
  Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
  1 Hospital Road
  Oak Bluffs
  508-693-0410
  
  Walk-In Clinic for Tick-Related Illnesses
  Vineyard Medical Care
  304 State Road
  Tisbury
  508-693-4400
  
  Island Health Care
  245 Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road
  Edgartown
  508-939-9358
  
  
• Same Day Laboratory Testing for
  Tick-Borne Illness
  
  Emergency Room
  Martha’s Vineyard Hospital
  1 Hospital Road
  Oak Bluffs
  508-693-0410
  
  (Includes Western Blot test)
  Vineyard Medical Care
  304 State Road
  Tisbury
  508-693-4400
  
  
• Other On-Island Patient Support Centers
  
  Vineyard Center for Clinical and Diagnostic Research on Tick-Borne Diseases
  Vineyard Medical Care
  304 State Road
  Tisbury
  508-687-9520
  
  Lyme Center of Martha's Vineyard
  38A Panhandle Road
  West Tisbury
  508-693-1846
  
  

Now that you are identifying the ticks on Martha's Vineyard you are seeing, it's time to protect yourself and others by reducing the overall population and tick habitat near your home. Share our free tick identification card with your friends and neighbors, and contact us for a free consultation to determine the best plan of action to offer season-long protection.