Barnstable County Offers Discounted Tick Testing
⚠️ Update: Discounted tick testing funds have been fully expended as of 4/15/2026. Standard TickReport pricing now applies.
With tick-borne diseases on the rise, protecting yourself and your family from ticks is important. By being aware and taking steps to prevent tick bites, you can enjoy the outdoors.
Ticks can be active all year long
Adult deer ticks will be active when temperatures are above 40°F. Entering tick habitat without proper protection is the biggest risk factor for tick bites.
Tick Prevention Methods
- Use Permetherin-treated clothing or repellants containing 20%–30% DEET.
- Tuck long pants into socks or wear closed-toe shoes and tuck shirt into pants.
- Check skin and clothes for ticks every day.
- Put clothes in dryer on HIGH for 15 minutes to kill ticks on clothing.
Tick Removal
Using pointy tweezers, grasp tick by the head and pull straight up. Avoid twisting. Not all ticks carry disease–know which species bit you and have the tick tested.
Cape Cod Ticks
Deer Tick (Also Known as the Blacklegged Tick)
Deer ticks/blacklegged ticks can transmit the pathogens that cause Lyme disease, babesiosis, anaplasmosis, Powassan and relapsing fever.
Lone Star Tick
Lone star ticks can spread pathogens that cause ehrlichiosis, STARI (Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness), and tularemia. Their bite may also trigger alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy.
Dog Tick
Dog ticks can transmit the pathogens that cause tularemia and Rocky Mountain Spotted fever.
Tick Testing on Cape Cod
Discounted tick testing is back! Barnstable County has partnered with TickReport to offer Cape Cod residents reduced-price testing options.
Thanks to funding from the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment and the American Rescue Plan Act, tick testing costs are reduced.*
Testing options and pricing:
⚠️ Update: Discounted tick testing funds have been fully expended as of 4/15/2026. Standard TickReport pricing now applies.
What’s Tested
Each test screens for various tick-borne diseases, including Lyme Disease, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, Powassan Virus, and others. The diseases tested for depend on the level of testing you choose.
Resources
Barnstable County Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
extad@capecod.gov or at phone | 508-375-6690 | https://www.capecod.gov/departments/cooperative-extension
TickReport
www.TickReport.com | support@tickreport.com
