The highest risk of being bitten by multiple types of ticks is during the spring and summer in Massachusetts, risking getting Lyme disease.
Lyme disease can cause nerve pain, aching joints and fatigue. Another tick-borne illness, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, can cause a rash, headaches, fever and vomiting. And ehrlichiosis, also a tick-borne illness, has been associated with an allergy to red meat. Other diseases from tickets include babesiosis, anaplasmosis and tularemi.
As the climate warms, a report by Bloomberg stated that ticks are increasingly spreading into newer territory further north. But researchers at the University of Massachusetts are attempting to find new ways to ward off ticks as the traditional defenses against creatures of their ilk — such as bug sprays — do little to sway a tick from crawling up one’s leg and latching on for a meal.
See below for 5 maps showing what types of ticks live in Massachusetts.
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The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that more research is needed to understand the role of the American dog tick in disease transmission. But they can transmit Tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.The Center for Disease Control and Prevention
American dog tick
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that more research is needed to understand the role of the American dog tick in disease transmission. But they can transmit tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
These ticks are most likely to bite humans during the spring and summer.
People should be aware of these ticks any time temperatures are above freezing, the CDC said.CDC
Blacklegged tick
People should be aware of these ticks any time temperatures are above freezing, the CDC said. But the greatest risk of being bitten is in the spring, summer and fall. These ticks can transmit diseases causing Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, hard tick relapsing fever, ehrlichiosis, babesiosis and Powassan virus disease.
The Sharon Health Department confirmed the first case of Powassan virus of 2024 in April, according to a release. They wanred residents to take precautions.
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The Brown dog tick is found worldwide. Its host is normally dogs but the tick can also bite humans or other mammals, the CDC said.CDC
Brown dog tick
The brown dog tick is found worldwide. Its host is normally dogs but the tick can also bite humans or other mammals, the CDC said. These ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
The lone star tick is known as a very aggressive tick that bites humans, according to the CDC.CDC
Lone star tick
The lone star tick is known as a very aggressive tick that bites humans, according to the CDC.
“The adult female is distinguished by a white dot or ‘lone star’ on her back. Lone star tick saliva can be irritating; redness and discomfort at a bite site does not necessarily indicate an infection. The nymph and adult females most frequently bite humans and transmit disease,” the CDC warns.
The tick can transmit Bourbon virus, Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii, which can cause ehrlichiosis, Heartland virus, tularemia and STARI, the CDC warned. There is also a growing evidence that alpha-gal syndrome, also known as the red meat allergy, may be triggered by the bite of the lone star tick. However, the CDC said, other tick species have not been ruled out.
The CDC also breaks down the tick surveillance by county. For more maps, click here.
No other city in the country boasts more championships than Boston, giving Massachusetts a sporting pedigree unlike any other.
What’s unique about many of the state is that several of the stars from those championship-winning teams were Massachusetts natives.
Before they were winning the Stanley Cup, the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, World Series or a gold medal, those athletes were high school standouts.
Which high schools in Massachusetts are considered the best for athletes today?
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According to a study conducted by Niche, which accounts for survey feedback from students and parents—accounting for “reviews of athletics, number of state championships, student participation in athletics, and the number of sports offered at the school”—and data from the U.S. Department of Education, these are the top 25.
BOSTON (WHDH) – It was a powerful moment on Friday during the annual Law-Enforcement Memorial Ceremony at the State House, as the ceremony remembered those lost in the line of duty, including State Trooper Kevin Trainor.
Trainor was killed in a wrong-way crash this week. Trainor’s family was in attendance.
“We’re here today with the Trainor family as another tragedy and agonizing time in policing has found us,” Larry Calderone, Boston Police Union President, said.
The day brought a moment to pause and remember the 30-year-old who is being hailed a hero after he was struck and killed Wednesday morning on Route 1 in Lynnfield.
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“We’ve lost a brother,” Massachusetts State Police Col. Geoffrey Noble said.
The fallen trooper’s fiancée spoke out for the first time since losing the love of her life. She posted to social media, “I am beyond proud of the amount of love you have been given by those who loved and cared about you shows us who you really were, a friend, a partner, a brother, a son, and a hero. You weren’t just a hero to me but a hero to all.”
(Copyright (c) 2026 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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Bishop Feehan moves up to the No. 2 spot — the Shamrocks have won eight straight against in-state competition, and ace Brody Bumila continues to look unbeatable. Natick enters the top five for the first time at No. 4 — the Redhawks are 12-1 with a 9-0 mark in Bay State play.
In the back half, Reading rises to No. 13 after getting some revenge on No. 19 Arlington. Also rising are No. 12 Plymouth North and No. 16 Canton, each up two spots.
New entrants are No. 18 Winchester, which returns to the rankings, and No. 20 Hopkinton, in for the first time this year on the back of four straight wins.
Records based on scores reported to the Globe.
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The Globe’s Top 20 baseball poll
The Globe poll as of May 8, 2026. Teams were selected by the Globe sports staff.
Mike Puzzanghera can be reached at michael.puzzanghera@globe.com. Follow him on X @mpuzzanghera.