Are Alpha Gal Ticks in Nashville?

Alpha-gal has gone mainstream. You’re likely here after seeing news stories on TV and social media. Are these ticks in Nashville?

Here in Middle Tennessee, ticks have become a fact of life. If you love to spend time outdoors, have pets, live near wooded areas, or enjoy hiking and camping, you are aware of their presence. In recent years – and even more so in recent months – a tick-related topic has begun to garner more attention. Alpha-gal syndrome.

If you’re hearing the term alpha gal ticks in Nashville, it’s usually in reference to the lone star tick. This species is strongly associated with the transmission of alpha-gal syndrome. If you haven’t heard about alpha-gal syndrome specifically, you might know it by definition alone: red meat allergy.

So, are alpha gal ticks here in the Nashville area? Yes, they can be found in Tennessee. What’s more, Middle Tennessee’s natural environment provides an ideal habitat to Lone star ticks, as well as other tick species.

What Is Alpha Gal Syndrome?

Also known as AGS, alpha-gal syndrome is an allergic reaction to red meats and their byproducts that might occur after a tick bite. Those afflicted with AGS can suffer hives, stomach cramps, nausea, swelling, and difficulty breathing after eating beef, lamb, venison, or pork. This reaction can also occur after consuming dairy products, some medications, or other mammalian byproducts.

In late 2025, the first death related to alpha-gal syndrome was reported. That said, the level of reaction will vary depending on the individual. But anyone who suspects they might be experiencing symptoms of alpha-gal syndrome should speak with a healthcare provider immediately, especially if you have spent time outdoors or could have been exposed to a tick.

Why Lone Star Tick Awareness Matters

As one of the primary tick species present in our region, the lone star tick transmits illnesses other than alpha-gal syndrome. One of these is ehrlichiosis, which Davidson and Williamson counties accounted for more than a quarter of the cases in 2023. Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infection rather than an allergy, but some of the gastrointestinal symptoms can be similar to those of alpha-gal. This tick-borne bacterial illness can be treated with doxycycline, but seeking prompt medical attention is key.

Other illnesses attributed to the lone star tick are tularemia, STARI, and Heartland virus.

What Do Lone Star Ticks Look Like?

Lone star ticks are identified by their reddish-brown bodies and a tell-tale white dot on their backs. But we must be aware that even though they are easily identified, they are not always easily seen. By nature, ticks are small, especially in springtime and early summer, and their bites do not hurt. A tick could be feeding on your blood for days before you notice it – if you notice a tick at all!

As you might imagine, lone star ticks are not the only species found in the Nashville area. Other ticks in Tennessee include the blacklegged tick, brown dog tick, Asian longhorned tick, American dog tick, and the gulf coast tick.

Nashville Pest Control for Ticks and More

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Choose Mosquito Squad Plus for Nashville pest control!

Mosquito Squad Plus treats mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and many more outdoor pests throughout the Nashville TN area! Contact us today at (615) 492-3662 or fill out our online form for your complimentary tick control assessment and treatment quote.

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Also Read: Are Ticks Out in Nashville Right Now?