What You Need to Know About Alpha-Gal Syndrome in Northeast Dallas

If you’ve heard recent buzz about Alpha-Gal Syndrome and aren’t sure what it is or how it might affect you and your family here in Dallas-Lake Highland, you’re not alone. While Alpha-Gal isn’t very common in our area yet, awareness is key to staying protected, especially as tick populations continue to grow and evolve. AtMosquito Squad of Dallas, we’re here to help you better understand Alpha-Gal Syndrome, which ticks carry it, and how to help protect yourself and your loved ones.

What Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Alpha-Gal Syndrome is an allergic reaction to a carbohydrate that’s found in most mammals. When someone with Alpha-Gal Syndrome eats red meat, their immune system can mistakenly cause a reaction, leading to symptoms like mild hives and an upset stomach to severe anaphylaxis. Unlike typical food allergies, Alpha-Gal reactions often happen several hours after eating red meat, which can make it tricky to recognize without knowing about tick exposure.

Which Tick Carries Alpha-Gal?

The main tick that causes Alpha-Gal Syndrome is called the Lone Star tick. This tick carries Alpha-Gal in its saliva, which can affect people after getting bit and lead to an allergic reaction to red meat. The Lone Star tick is a species of tick mostly found in the southern United States, including Texas. It is most easily recognized by the adult female’s distinct white star-shaped marking on her back. While not every bite leads to Alpha-Gal allergies, it’s a risk worth understanding so you can be prepared.

Should I Be Concerned About Alpha-Gal in Northeast Dallas?

Alpha-Gal Syndrome is still relatively uncommon in the Dallas area, especially compared to places further south and east. However, Lone Star ticks can be found here, and being aware of their risk is important, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors or have had a tick bite recently. If you notice any unusual allergic reactions, especially after eating red meat, you may want to talk to your doctor about Alpha-Gal.

How Can I Help Protect My Family from Lone Star Ticks and Alpha-Gal?

Protection is the best defense against tick bites and the potential consequences like Alpha-Gal. Here are some key steps you can take:

• Remember to wear long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas and do a thorough tick check after spending time outdoors.
• Keep your yard trimmed and remove leaf litter to reduce tick habitats around your home.
• Use tick preventatives for your pets since they can bring ticks into your home.
• Mosquito Squad of Dallas offersprofessional tick control treatments for your yard to help reduce tick populations and limit your family’s exposure.

Let Mosquito Squad of Dallas Help Keep Your Family Protected

While Alpha-Gal Syndrome might not be widespread inNortheast Dallas yet, Lone Star ticks are here, and so are other tick-borne risks. Ticks are most active from spring through fall, and a single treatment isn’t enough to keep them away all season. That’s why Mosquito Squad offers a series of treatments spaced throughout the tick season, providing continuous, long-lasting protection so you can enjoy your yard from early spring to late fall. In addition to tick control,Mosquito Squad also treats mosquitoes and other pests that can affect your outdoor enjoyment and health. Don’t wait for tick season to catch you off guard;contact us for a free quote and start enjoying your yard with confidence.