What You Don’t Know About Alpha-Gal Syndrome Could Hurt You

Most people in West Michigan haven’t heard of Alpha-gal Syndrome, and that’s part of the problem. Caused by the bite of a lone star tick, this condition can trigger an allergic reaction to red meat and other animal-based foods—sometimes hours after a meal. Even thoughGrand Rapids tick and mosquito control isn’t typically top-of-mind when it comes to Alpha-gal, the risk is more relevant than many realize.

The Strange Connection Between Ticks and Red Meat Allergies

Unlike othertick-borne illnesses, Alpha-gal isn’t a virus or bacteria; it’s a sugar molecule. It’s found in most mammals, and under normal circumstances, it wouldn’t bother us. But if a tick introduces it into your system through a bite, your immune system can start reacting to it the next time it shows up—like when you eat a burger. That’s when the problems begin. The odd thing is that symptoms don’t hit right away. They may take several hours to develop, which often throws people off the trail of what’s causing them.

Thelone star tick is more common in the southeastern United States, but its range is spreading. Combine that with how often people travel—for work, family, or a quick getaway—and it’s not hard to see how exposure could happen. Whether you’re spending time hiking near Grand Rapids or visiting relatives out of state, it’s not out of the question. More importantly, Alpha-gal isn’t just a Southern issue anymore.

What You Can Do to Lower the Risk

Start with the basics: avoid overgrown areas, check for ticks after being outdoors, and keep your yard clean and trimmed. But even if you’re cautious, ticks can still find their way in. That’s where we come in. Mosquito Squad of Grand Rapids offers professional treatments that focus on the areas where ticks tend to live. We don’t just treat yards—we look at shady spots, leaf litter, woodpiles, and other likely hiding places. It’s a smarter way to help keep your property less welcoming to ticks.

Unlike other allergies that kick in right away, Alpha-gal symptoms often show up long after a meal. That can mean hives, stomach trouble, or something more serious like shortness of breath or swelling. It’s easy to chalk it up to something else—until it happens again. If you’ve had strange allergic reactions recently and can’t figure out why, think back. Did you travel? Spend time outdoors?Get bitten? It might be worth asking your doctor about.

Michigan’s Not Off the Hook

Ticks don’t respect state lines. They go where hosts go—deer, small mammals, pets, and yes, people. And once a tick is in the area, it can be hard to know how far it’s spread. That’s why staying ahead matters. Even if Alpha-gal seems rare now, that doesn’t mean it’ll stay that way.

Our team at Mosquito Squad of Grand Rapids takes this seriously. We’re not just here to treat your yard—we’re here to help you understand the risks and stay ahead of them. 

Whether you’re concerned about Alpha-gal or just tired of finding ticks on your dog, we’ve got a plan that fits.

If you’ve been putting off tick prevention, now’s the time to take action. We’ll walk your property, talk through your needs, and develop a plan that makes sense.Contact us for a free quote and see how we can make you more comfortable and confident outdoors.