Lone Star Ticks Found in Falmouth

(AP Photo/Allen G. Breed)

FALMOUTH – An entomologist with the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension has found Lone Star ticks in Falmouth.

A recent tape test done a woman in West Falmouth found the ticks, prompting Larry Dapsis to alert Cape Cod Healthcare providers about the bites.

Bites from lone star ticks are commonly misdiagnosed as chigger bites but Dapsis confirms there are no chiggers on Cape Cod.

Lone Star ticks are not associated with Lyme disease, but could transmit a southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI).

“This thing seems to trigger a much more persistent reaction to the bite area,” said Dapsis.

Since the revelation of Lone Star ticks, Dapsis has surveyed Falmouth areas for more.

The tick was found on Naushon and Cuttyhunk islands for several years, but three years ago, was found at Sandy Neck Beach in Sandwich.

“As long as you are aware of this, there are simple tactics that people can implement today to help prevent situations like this,” said Dapsis.

Dapsis believes that the lone star tick is more aggressive than deer ticks but permethrin-treated clothes will help stop the tick.

By JUSTIN SAUNDERS, CapeCod.com Newscenter