Welcome to the South Shore!
First of all, congratulations on your move! Whether you’ve settled into the historic streets of Plymouth, the scenic coast of Duxbury, or the charming neighborhoods of Marshfield and Kingston, you’ve chosen one of the most beautiful regions in New England.
However, there’s one thing new residents—especially those moving from cities or out of state—find surprising: our mosquito and tick season. The same lush landscapes, salt marshes, and dense woodlands that make this area so attractive are also the perfect breeding grounds for pests. In Massachusetts, “bug season” isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a lifestyle adjustment. This guide is here to help you navigate it like a local.
1. Local Geography: Why Your Yard is a Target
The South Shore has a unique and varied landscape. Depending on exactly where your new home is located, you’ll face different challenges:
- The Salt Marshes (The Coastal Problem): If you live in Marshfield or Duxbury, you are likely near extensive salt marshes. These produce “Salt Marsh Mosquitoes”—aggressive biters that fly long distances and are active during the day, not just at night.
- The Deep Woods (The Tick Territory): If your property is in Plymouth, Kingston, or further inland, you are likely surrounded by oak forests and thick brush. This is prime habitat for the blacklegged tick (deer tick), which thrives in the moist leaf litter of New England.
2. Knowing the Risks: It’s Not Just an Itch
In many parts of the country, a bug bite is just an annoyance. In Massachusetts, we have to be more vigilant due to local health risks:
Mosquito-Borne Illness
Massachusetts is a primary area for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). While rare, EEE is a serious concern, often leading to town-wide “dusk-to-dawn” curfews during high-activity years.
Tick-Borne Illness
The South Shore is a “hot spot” for Lyme Disease. Ticks here can also carry Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis. Because our winters are often mild enough for ticks to survive under the leaf pile, they are a threat almost year-round.
3. Your “New Resident” Survival Checklist
You don’t have to stay indoors all summer! Follow this checklist to secure your new property:
- [ ] The Stagnant Water Survey: Walk your yard and flip over anything that holds water (buckets, toys, tarps). Mosquitoes only need a bottle cap of water to breed.
- [ ] Clear the “Tick Zone”: Ticks love the shade. Rake up old leaves, especially where your lawn meets the woods.
- [ ] The Daily Tick Check: This is a Massachusetts “must.” Check yourself, your kids, and your pets every single time you come inside—even if you were just in the backyard.
- [ ] Professional Barrier Protection: The most effective way to enjoy your yard is to treat the perimeter. A professional spray eliminates adult pests on contact and prevents new ones from moving in.
Ready to Reclaim Your Yard?
Welcome again to the South Shore! We love this community and want to make sure you can enjoy your new deck, pool, or lawn without being eaten alive.
New to the neighborhood? Give us a call today for a free property evaluation. We’ll show you exactly where the “hot spots” are in your new yard and help you create a plan to keep your family safe all season long.
