Alpha-Gal Syndrome and What It Means for Raleigh Resident

Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is a tick-related food allergy that’s becoming more widely understood as it becomes more common. It can develop after a bite from the lone star tick, which introduces a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the bloodstream. In Raleigh and surrounding areas, tick activity has been on the rise, especially in wooded or shaded yards. Withproactive tick control in Raleigh, you can reduce the chances of a bite and protect your family from potential complications.

Alpha-Gal Can Be Delayed

One of the most unusual aspects of AGS is how symptoms don’t appear right away. Unlike typical food allergies, AGS reactions typically occur three to six hours after eating red meat (which can include beef, pork, or lamb). Some people will notice hives, itching, stomach discomfort, or even difficulty breathing, and because the reaction is delayed, many don’t immediately realize the cause. OurRaleigh tick services can help manage the risk by treating the areas where ticks are most likely to live.

Who’s Most Likely to Be Affected?

While anyone can develop AGS, the highest risk comes with repeatedexposure to tick bites. People who hike, garden, work outdoors, or live near wooded areas are more likely to come into contact with lone star ticks. Even a quick walk through tall grass can be enough. To keep these pests from getting too close to home, Mosquito Squad treats your property with a targeted barrier application. Our tick control in Raleigh focuses on known tick habitats like brushy edges, leaf piles, and shaded ground cover.

Tick activity in the Raleigh area typically begins in early spring and extends well into the fall, especially during warm, wet years. As the weather warms, ticks become more active, often before homeowners realize the season has started. Early treatment in March or April can make a huge difference in how your yard feels—and how protected your family is—by mid-season.

How You Can Reduce Risk

If you’re concerned about AGS, it’s a good idea to wear long sleeves and use tick repellent when outdoors. Be sure to check your skin, clothing, and pets after spending time outside. At home, keeping your yard tidy also helps—trimming vegetation, removing yard waste, and maintaining open, sunlit areas can make your property less inviting to ticks. When combined with ourtick treatments, these simple steps go a long way. Our Raleigh-based tick reduction plans are designed to stay effective for up to 21 days per application.

Creating A More Comfortable Outdoor Experience

The possibility of developing a food allergy from a tick bite can sound overwhelming, but the good news is that AGS is preventable, and reducing exposure to ticks is the most effective way to lower your risk. Mosquito Squad of Raleigh takes pride in helping homeowners create more enjoyable and healthier outdoor spaces, and our barrier sprays are applied with precision by trained technicians, targeting the spots where ticks are most likely to hide. If you’re ready to be more proactive about tick control,get in touch with us to schedule a consultation or treatment.