Meet the Lone Star Tick

When spending time outdoors in Kentucky, you might come across a tick called the lone star tick. It’s easy to spot because the adult female has a white dot or “star” on her back. But don’t let her small size fool you: this little pest can cause big concerns for you, your family, and your pets. Mosquito Squad is here to help with tick and mosquito control in Lexington, KY.

Where Lone Star Ticks Live

Lone star ticks are common in the southeastern U.S., including Kentucky. They love low woods, tall grass, shady pathways, and places where they can wait on leaves or blades of grass to attach to people or animals walking by. These ticks are most active in spring and summer, which means you’ll likely see more of them in warm weather.

What Makes Lone Star Ticks Different

Lone star ticks behave differently from some other tick species. For one, they are more aggressive. These ticks actively seek out hosts and are known to bite quickly and repeatedly. Unlike other types of ticks that may wait passively, lone stars are fast to feed and often stay attached longer. They can also bite people more often than other ticks in our area. While they can carry several tick-borne illnesses, they’ve become especially known for one surprising and serious condition: Alpha-Gal Syndrome.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome: The Tick-Meat Allergy

One of the most concerning things about lone star ticks is their link to Alpha-Gal Syndrome, a condition that causes people to become allergic to red meat. This unusual allergy develops after a tick bite when a sugar molecule called Alpha-Gal enters the body through the tick’s saliva. Once exposed, your immune system may become sensitive to that molecule. 

Afterward, eating red meat such as beef, pork, or lamb can trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms like hives, stomach upset, and even trouble breathing can appear three to six hours after eating. Because of the delay, many people don’t immediately realize that food is the cause. For people who enjoy outdoor activities or have wooded yards, reducing tick exposure is key.

How to Reduce Your Risk of Tick Bites

You can take smart steps to help protect yourself and your pets from lone star ticks:

• Wear long sleeves and pants when exploring the woods or tall grassy areas.
• Use tick repellents on skin and clothing.
• Do a thorough tick check after outdoor activities, and don’t forget hidden spots like the scalp, behind the ears, or under the armpits.
• Regularly brush through your pet's fur and inspect for ticks.
• Invest in professional tick control services with a trusted team like Mosquito Squad of Lexington.

How Mosquito Squad of Lexington Helps with Ticks and Other Pests

Helping protect yourself, your loved ones, and your pets doesn’t have to be hard. Mosquito Squad of Lexington offers professional pest control services to create a more enjoyable backyard. We offer treatments sprayed around your yard and property edges to help reduce ticks and create a protective zone around your home. 

With smart habits and the right help, you can help protect your family and pets. At Mosquito Squad of Lexington, our goal is to provide comfortable spaces for you to enjoy. Learn more or schedule your tick & mosquito control service now!