Tick

Guarding Against Ticks

Understanding the Tick Threat

South Shore, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island areas with their lush landscapes and wooded areas, are no stranger to the challenge of ticks. These tiny arachnids come in various colors, with adult ticks ranging in size from less than 1 mm for larvae to slightly larger than a sunflower seed (over 1 cm when engorged with blood). Common tick species in the area include the American dog tick, deer or blacklegged tick, and the lone star tick.

Habitat and Survival

Ticks thrive in wooded and highly vegetated regions, often posing a threat to both humans and animals. Some species require moisture for survival, making the South Shore, Cape Cod, and Rhode Island area climate ideal for their proliferation.

Feeding Preferences

Both female and male ticks across species feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles. While each tick species may have a preferred host, they are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will bite a variety of hosts, including livestock, deer, humans, dogs, and cats.