Public Health Information

Tick Borne Diseases


There is a growing number of reported Tickborne Disease cases throughout Massachusetts and New England. Understanding The Ecosystem which supports tick populations is an important factor in avoiding disease transmission along with employing personal protective measures. Ticks can be found in grassy fields, wooded areas, the edge of roadways/sidewalks as well as backyards. Ticks thrive in shady humid areas with leaf litter and around stone walls.

Preventative measures should be observed year round with special attention taken May through October.

Protect yourself with 6 Easy Steps



  1. Be aware of tick endemic areas and keep to the middle of hiking trails and walk ways( Ticks thrive in shady humid areas with leaf litter and low brush).
  2. The single most important thing you can do is check yourself for ticks daily.
  3. Prompt removal of an embedded tick will greatly reduce the chances of the tick transmitting disease. Use a pair of pointed tweezers or tick removal tool.
  4. Chemically-treated clothing (permethrin) and use of Deet on skin are two more tools that people should consider adding to their personal tick protection plans, in addition to frequent tick checks and proper tick removal.
  5. Treat your pets. Perform a body scan of legs, belly and head after a walk to remove the ticks before they are brought into your home or car. Apply a topical tick repellant monthly.
  6. Create a yard environment unsuitable for ticks. Remove leaf litter and brush around your house, trim the lawn to 2" and keep shrubs, bushes and plants trimmed neatly. Also consider using pyrethrin treated products like TickTubes to reduce mice populations and or have a licensed professional Pest Control Company perform perimeter spray of your yard.

Resources:


For More Information from the Department of Public Health on Tick-borne Diseases.

Emergency Preparedness


The Town of Acton Health Department is launching efforts to ensure the safety of Acton residents in the event of a public health emergency. In order to prepare for an unexpected public health threat or an infectious disease outbreak like influenza or hepatitis A, the Health Department is working closely with health care professionals, the Police and Fire Departments, and community groups to develop emergency plans. Acton residents can play an important role in emergency preparedness.


Central Mass Mosquito Project:


Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project investigates resident’s complaints about mosquitoes in the area. For scheduling information, please visit their website.

The posted dates are subject to change due to weather conditions, mosquito populations, mosquito virus activity and/or special event spraying. This program will shut down when cool night time temperature becomes predominant in this area. A detailed notice about our spray schedule is posted on the CMMCP phone system after 3:30 p.m. each day, and it is also listed on their website.

Complaints about mosquitoes may be registered by calling the CMMCP office at 508-393-3055 between 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The results of an investigation may warrant the use of a mosquito insecticide to defined, site-specific areas of the town. Such an application may be accomplished by using hand or truck mounted equipment, depending on the extent of the application.

Per 333CMR1 3.04: “No intentional application of pesticides shall be made to private property which has been designated for exclusion from such application by a person living on or legally in control of said property.” Notices were sent to all City and Town Clerks in February to alert them of the pesticide exclusion process; CMMCP will continue to accept exemptions during the spray season. Residents should contact their Town or City clerk for more information on the exclusion process, or may contact the CMMCP office during business hours or apply for an exclusion through our website.

Resources