Mosquitoes & Ticks

Tick Information

ticks

One of the most common tick-borne diseases in the U.S. is Lyme disease. Ticks are found in wooded areas, high grass, or leaf litter. They are most active during the spring, summer and fall, but in warmer areas may be active all year round. Residents should take precautions when outdoors, especially during yard work and leaf clean-up. 

 Protect yourself from ticks.

  • Wear a hat and light-colored clothing (so ticks can be easily spotted), including long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into boots or socks.
  • Use insect repellents. Use repellents containing 20–50% DEET on exposed skin and clothing. Reapply repellents as needed. (Always follow products labels).
  • Use insecticides such as permethrin for greater protection. Permethrin can be used on clothing, but not on skin. One application to pants, socks, and shoes may be effective through several washings.
  • Check skin and clothing for ticks daily. Check hair, underarms, behind the ears and groin. Don’t forget to check pets that have been outdoors!
  • Wash and dry clothes using the “hot” settings to kill any ticks present.
  • NOTE: Tick activity continues into Fall and early Winter. Yard work and leaf clean-up are common activities for tick exposure. Residents should take the same precautions listed above. 

 Tick FAQ 

What kinds of ticks carry Lyme and other diseases? What do they look like? 

What should you do if you find a tick on your body? How do you properly remove a tick?  Also, c

What should you do if you suspect you were bitten by a tick or you suspect you have Lyme or another tick-borne disease?  

  Check out this video for more info on removing ticks.  tick removal



More Links/Information

CDC Website

Massachusetts Dept. of Public Health Website

Tick Identification and Testing Services-Fee-based testing labs in and around MA.

Print out and save this tick identification card to take it with you when you go outdoors. https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/01/02/Tick%20Identification%20Card.jpg

Tick Identification Card

Mosquito Information


10/6/23:  Wellesley risk for West Nile Virus moved from "low" to "moderate".

Wellesley is part of the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Commission and conducts testing for mosquito-borne illnesses such as WNV and EEE throughout peak periods during the year.  

One of the most common diseases carried by mosquitoes in the U.S. is West Nile virus infection. Mosquitoes may be found near standing water, or in weedy or wooded areas. They are usually most active during dawn and dusk in the warmer months.

Protect yourself from mosquitos.

  • Use insect repellent. Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

               -DEET

              -Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)

             - IR3535

             - Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)

             - Para-menthane-diol (PMD)

             - 2-undecanone

  • Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.
  • Use air conditioning, if available.
  • Stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in or near water. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers.
  • Check for water-holding containers both indoors and outdoors.

 Health Department information: