Lone Star Ticks: Native Texans?

Do Lone Star ticks hang their hats in Texas? Do they come from Texas?

We’ve all heard of lone star hats, but what about a tick that shares the name? Texas has an outlaw pest on the run (actually, they’re really slow movers) – the name is Lone Star tick. And he’s wanted for egregious behavior. Like other ticks, they set out to dine on the blood of humans, pets, livestock, and wild animals too. This criminal critter brings with it an unusually nasty personal affront – a potentially lifelong allergy to red meat, as well as red meat products. You can pretty much count on giving up some pork products and lamb too, while you’re at it if you have a run-in with this voracious villain!

So, What’s the Deal with Lone Star Tick?

Despite sounding like a boot-scootin’ good time, this vile varmint is anything but! While Lone Star ticks do not hail from Texas – despite their name – they certainly hang their hats here now. Originally from the Southeastern United States, this rascally arachnid is a carnivore’s nightmare fuel.

Where’s the name come from? Oh, that’s just a distinct star-like white mark on their backs.

Typical ticks, Lone Star ticks can be found in wooded areas, tall grasses, and this includes such areas around your home. If you have wildlife on your property, you have an even bigger chance of a Lone Star tick encounter.

And you can’t feel their bites, but that’s the worst thing about them!

Alpha-Gal Syndrome: A True BBQ-Buster

We don’t aim to scare ya, but this part is down-right un-Texan! One bite from a Lone Star tick can trigger a strange immune response from some of us. Alpha-gal Syndrome, or AGS, is the result of the human body having built antibodies to Alpha-gal, a sugar molecule that can be delivered to the blood stream by a Lone Star tick bite. Know where else this molecule is found? In some of our most delicious and highly-consumed Texas barbecue meats.

 Another dastardly fact is that those afflicted with AGS often don’t realize it, because the reaction is delayed – it takes at least three hours for the illness to kick in after we dine on a meat or meat product that triggers AGS.

Symptoms can range from hives and stomach upset to anaphylaxis and even heart palpitations.

Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome a Threat in El Paso?

While Lone Star Ticks are more commonly found in central and eastern Texas, their range is expanding into our part of the world. The CDC reports AGS cases across the southern United States, including Texas, so even if El Paso isn’t ground zero, awareness is absolutely key. And even if we haven’t seen them in El Paso, that doesn’t mean they’re not here. All ticks are creepy and inconspicuous – until they’re not!

Search for tick control near me and call Mosquito Squad of El Paso.

Mosquito Squad is ready to serve you with effective El Paso tick control, mosquito control, other vector control services, as well as a variety of outdoor pest control services, including residential and commercial mosquito control , fire ant control , fly control , and scorpion control .

Find out more about our mosquito control. Get in touch with Mosquito Squad today by filling out our form online or calling us at (915) 800-0343 for a free pest assessment and quote.

Also read: What Animals Are Vectors?