Tick Control Services on Cape Cod & Plymouth County

The most common ticks in Massachusetts are the Deer Tick and the Dog Tick. There is one thing that no one wants to bring home after a fun outdoor trip a tick. These arachnids thrive in the summer and are the primary culprit for Lyme disease. Ticks are one of those pests that you don't want around because they look gross but also because they can indeed get you or your pet very, very sick.

How To Check For Ticks

After spending time outdoors, whether it's a day at the beach or just a quick trip to your backyard to water the plants, ticks move fast and can latch on quite quickly. Here are some things that you can do to check yourself once you get home:

1. Remove clothing and wash it immediately, whether that means putting it directly in the washer machine or putting it in a bowl of hot water to soak. Ticks latch on to clothing, especially anything below the waist, as it is closer to the grass and shrubs.
2. Scour your body - especially some crevices where ticks prefer to hide. Under the arms, behind the ears, around the hairline, behind the knees, and inside the belly button are all good places to start.
3. Take a warm shower; this will help dislodge any ticks that haven't been attached and will provide a chance to look for any remaining ticks that didn't make it off during the first check.

Found a Tick?

If you've found a tick during your routine tick check, there are a few things that you can do to make sure it is fully off your body.

1. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull it straight out with steady pressure. If you wish, save the tick in a sealable plastic bag to test for Lyme.
2. After removing the tick, cleanse the spot with rubbing alcohol and wash your hands thoroughly. Keep track of the place you bit and when it happens, and monitor any possible symptoms.