Enjoy Block Island — Be Tick Aware
Block Island’s beaches, trails, and open spaces are what make it special. They are also places where ticks are common, especially during spring and summer.
This page brings together trusted prevention guidance to help residents and visitors reduce the risk of tick bites while enjoying the island.
This public‑education effort is led by the Block Island Residents Association (BIRA) in cooperation with Block Island Health Center (BIHC).
Why Tick Awareness Matters on Block Island
Ticks found on Block Island can transmit diseases such as Lyme, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis and may also cause alpha‑gal syndrome, a serious allergy linked to bites from the lone-star tick. BIHC and many scientific researchers of tick-borne diseases emphasize that preventing tick bites is the most effective protection.
Ticks are most commonly encountered:
- Along walking and hiking trails
- At grassy and brush areas
- In yards, conservation land, and dune margins
Start with the Basics: Smart Tick Bite Prevention
BIHC and other health experts recommend combining behavioral precautions with appropriate clothing choices.
Quick Tick‑Prevention Checklist
✔ Stay on marked trails and avoid tall grass and brush
✔ Wear closed‑toe shoes for outdoor hiking activities
✔ Tuck pants into socks when walking trails or fields
✔ Check for ticks after every walk or outdoor outing
✔ Pets can bring ticks into the home—use veterinarian‑recommended prevention and check your pets daily.
Tick checks are especially important around ankles, legs, waist, and behind knees.
Protecting Your Pets from Ticks
Pets are also at risk of tick exposure on Block Island. Dogs and cats can encounter ticks in the same grassy and brushy areas as people and may carry ticks into homes, increasing exposure for others.
Taking simple precautions can help protect both your pet and your household.
Pet Tick Prevention Checklist
✔ Check your pet for ticks daily, especially after time outdoors
✔ Remove ticks promptly if you find them
✔ Use a veterinarian-recommended flea and tick preventive product
✔ Keep pets out of tall grass and brush when possible
✔ Monitor your pet for changes in behavior or appetite after a tick bite
Daily checks are important because ticks can be difficult to see, especially on animals with thick or dark fur.
Why Prevention Matters
• Pets can become ill from tick-borne diseases, just like humans
• Pets can carry ticks indoors, where they may later attach to people
• Many tick-borne diseases affecting pets do not have vaccines, making prevention especially important
Talk to Your Veterinarian
The best prevention approach may vary depending on your pet’s health and lifestyle. Consult your veterinarian about:
• Appropriate flea and tick prevention products
• Tick-borne diseases common in this region
• Any precautions based on your pet’s condition
Important: Cats can be sensitive to certain tick-prevention products. Do not apply products to cats without veterinary guidance.
Learn More (CDC Guidance)
For additional information on protecting pets from ticks, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/prevention/preventing-ticks-on-pets.html
Protecting your pets is part of reducing overall tick exposure—alongside personal precautions and appropriate clothing.
Why Clothing — and Socks — Matter
Ticks typically contact people from ground‑level vegetation and often attach at the feet and ankles. Because of this, what you wear on your feet is one of the most important lines of defense.
Permethrin‑Treated Socks
As part of this summer’s prevention campaign, permethrin‑treated socks are available at participating Block Island retailers.
Permethrin‑treated socks provide an easy and affordable option as they:
- Can kill ticks on contact
- Help stop ticks before they reach the skin
- Are odorless once dry
- Remain effective through many washes
- Are worn just like regular socks
Recommended: Watch & Learn
The following short videos provide clear, science‑based information and complement local health guidance. These are optional learning tools for anyone who wants to go deeper.
▶ Stay Tick‑Free: Proven Strategies to Prevent Tick Bites
~6 minutes
A practical overview of how ticks behave and the most effective prevention steps—including clothing choices and tick checks.
(Source: InsectShield Repellent Technology) [youtube.com]
▶ How to Safely Remove a Tick
~3 minutes
Step‑by‑step guidance on proper tick removal using tweezers.
(Source: InsectShield Repellent Technology) [youtube.com]
▶ Insect Shield vs. Regular Fabric: See How Ticks React
~30 seconds
A visual demonstration showing how permethrin‑treated fabric affects ticks compared to untreated fabric.
(Source: InsectShield Repellent Technology) [youtube.com]
When to Seek Medical Guidance
If you are bitten by a tick on Block Island, and are still on Block Island, go to Block Island Health Center (BIHC) for advice on what to do. If possible, bring the removed tick with you in a plastic bag or other closed container.
If you are no longer on Block Island, contact a healthcare provider. For island‑specific medical guidance, you may consult Block Island Health Services.
In all cases, if you develop symptoms such as a rash, fever, flu‑like aches, or unusual allergic reactions after a tick bite seek medical advice immediately.
Learn More & Stay Informed
This page is part of an ongoing effort to support health awareness on Block Island. The information provided is in cooperation with Block Island Health Center.
Block Island Residents Association (BIRA)
www.BIRA02807.org/support