Grill Season and Tick Season Collide in a New Way

Don’t allow this Southern tick invader to ruin this grill season and all those to follow.

As if Southeastern Mass needed another new tick species lurking about, but here we are! The term new is tricky here, especially since the tick in question has been known to science since 1758. It was originally identified in the Southeastern United States, however – and is only being found in other parts of the United States over the last few years.

So, if you don’t know this tick already, say HOWDY to the Lone Star tick. No, he’s not a Texas native. The name comes from a star-like white spot on its back. But what does the Lone Star tick season have to do with grill season, other than the fact that we might encounter one in our backyards? Here’s the scoop!

An Unexpected Gift from an Unwelcome Tick

The purpose of ticks in our ecosystem is not to set out to purposefully hurt us or make us ill. When they seek a blood meal and obtain it from a human, pet, or livestock, they don’t actually mean to leave behind disease pathogens. And in the case of the Lone Star tick, rather than delivering disease pathogens, it is apt to inject a sugar molecule into our bloodstream that causes our immune system to kick in to fight it. The problem is that this same molecule is also found in red meat, some pork, and red meat products - dairy products.

Though Alpha-gal might sound reminiscent of a new sorority name, it is actually the name of the sugar molecule in question. And Alpha-gal syndrome is the name of the illness that might result after its introduction.

What Does Alpha-gal Syndrome Do?

Alpha-gal syndrome references the lingering immune response to the sugar molecule – an allergy of sorts. One that makes grill season very much a downer to those who suffer with it. Each time they consume red meat or red meat products, they become ill. The big issue with Alpha-gal syndrome – other than the obvious illness itself – is that it takes three or more hours for symptoms to take hold. And by that time, we might think we have gotten food poisoning or simply have stomach flu or typical stress headache. We might mistake any resulting hives for a reaction to detergents or other topical irritants.

It is very difficult to arrive at a diagnosis also because tick bites don’t hurt and might not even leave a mark. If you aren’t aware that you have been bitten, you can’t put the pieces together that your illness, even if it happens again and again, is a result of a Lone Star tick bite.

If you are having headaches, stomach pain and upset, or even hives and shortness of breath after eating meat, seek medical attention. And let your doctor know if you have spent time outdoors, where you might have potentially encountered a Lone Star tick . A blood test can be done to diagnose Alpha-gal syndrome.

Carnivores Rejoice in Tick Control Yard Treatments

If you love grilling up a delicious steak or hamburger in the summertime, Mosquito Squad of Southeastern Mass can help you keep your meat-eating tradition alive! The single best method of avoiding Alpha-gal syndrome, or any tick-borne illness, is to avoid ticks . That means ample protective measures away from home, including pants and long sleeves, or permethrin treated clothing.

It also means that tick control treatments for your yard should be on your summer agenda. Mosquito squad of Southeastern Mass can help you control and deter the tick population on your property throughout the warm weather season, helping make your grilling season much more enjoyable, and keeping it that way.

Searching for mosquito and tick control near me?

If you’re considering tick control throughout Bristol and Plymouth County, Mosquito Squad of Southeastern Mass is here to help. Call (774) 234-4611 or contact us online for effective outdoor pest control near you in Southeastern Massachusetts.

Our Bristol and Plymouth County mosquito control services come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee .

We are not only committed to your satisfaction but also to our environment with careful attention to detail in our Plymouth County pest control services, targeted at controlling pests while preserving our essential pollinators.

Also read: Do Chickens Eat Ticks ?