In 1975, a film shot in Martha’s Vineyard instilled a fear of the ocean. Today, fear in this area arises from a different source—an animal that keeps people indoors.
The Rise of Ticks
“It’s gotten so serious that grandparents hesitate to invite family over,” says Sam Telford. Residents avoid the outdoors, feeling vulnerable to these tiny predators. Ticks are the primary concern.
A lone star tick was observed crawling on a tool used by tick biologist Patrick Roden-Reynolds during a tick survey in May 2026 in Aquinnah, Mass. Finn Gomez captured the moment for The Boston Globe.
Disease Spread
Ticks have transmitted diseases for centuries, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. This year, emergency room visits for tick bites reached a decade-high as ticks migrated to new regions. Alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne condition, adds to this problem. A single bite can trigger severe allergies to red meat like beef and pork, sparing only poultry and seafood.
Adriana Stimola, a resident of Martha’s Vineyard, recounts waking hours after a midnight beach meal with a rash and digestive issues. Her family has also experienced similar reactions.
Alpha-gal syndrome provokes symptoms from hives to anaphylactic shock. Some develop allergies to dairy or items containing animal products like marshmallows and medicine capsules. The condition even impacts social aspects, making dining with others challenging.
Local Impact
Ben DeForest, a lifelong resident, refrains from venturing into natural habitats he once enjoyed, opting for concrete areas instead. As The Red Cat Kitchen owner, he offers an “Alpha-gal friendly” menu, featuring dishes like halibut with parsley and beets.
Understanding Alpha-gal Syndrome
Discovered in the mid-2000s, the syndrome has now gained national attention, says Sam Telford from Tufts University. The spread of lone star ticks, especially in the Northeast, raises awareness. Telford attributes the shift to increased awareness.
Ticks exist in small, medium, and large sizes. In Rhode Island’s larva season, ticks are found under leaves, forming “larval bombs” that spread when disturbed.
Deer and Tick Relationship
Deer play a significant role in tick proliferation. Each deer offers a breeding ground for up to 1,500 ticks, each laying 2,000 eggs. That’s millions of ticks from a single deer.
Efforts to control deer populations aim to reduce ticks. “The public’s resistance to culling deer may change now with Alpha-gal syndrome affecting communities,” suggests Telford.
Prevention Tips
Taking precautions against ticks includes wearing treated clothing, checking for ticks, and maintaining distance from tick habitats. Dr. Aubrey Stimola Ryan recommends using repellents and inspecting clothing thoroughly.
Telford also notes that while not all tick bites transmit diseases, symptoms can improve over time without further bites. Gradually reintroducing meat into one’s diet is possible.
Adriana Stimola reflects on dietary changes and the environmental impact of meat consumption, hoping it prompts discussions on sustainable practices.
Resources
- Thomas Mather, University of Rhode Island’s Center for Vector-Borne Disease
- TickEncounter Resource Center, University of Rhode Island
- Sam Telford III, Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
- The Tick Center at Martha’s Vineyard Medical
- Tick Free Martha’s Vineyard
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