BBQ or Bye-Bye BBQ? The Alpha-Gal Dilemma
Posted by Mosquito Squad
June 12, 2025
Could a bite from a backyard tick ruin your backyard barbecues for life? Maybe!
Alpha-gal syndrome, the dining dilemma you might not have heard of, is wreaking havoc on its victims of the carnivorous persuasion – and inciting fear in the hearts of would-be victims! The dastardly lone star tick is the culprit, carrying with it the ability to transmit a sugar molecule into our bloodstream that tells our immune system to set up its defenses. And thereafter, when you eat something containing said molecule, a very adverse reaction can take hold. If you love red meats, pork, and products that come from these mammals – this is your red alert warning. Alpha-gal can take away your ability to comfortably or successfully consume these products.
What Kind of Reaction Does Alpha-Gal Produce?
Now for more bad news. Alpha-gal syndrome, or AGS, can produce mile to severe symptoms a few hours after consuming an offending product – steaks, burgers, cheeses. These symptoms can be headache, stomach pain and upset and diarrhea, dizziness, rapid heart rate, hives, respiratory issues, and more. Some sufferers experience such pain and discomfort that they have to forego the moo menu and byproducts from cattle – maybe for life.
Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome Really Permanent?
Alpha-gal syndrome is thought to be a lifelong affliction. The only good news on this front is that over time, symptoms could greatly diminish; and those will only mild symptoms might be able to treat with over-the-counter-medications, like Ibuprofen, antihistamines, or antacids. The bad news is that we don’t know if that means it will take months, years, or decades – symptoms and their severity are so varied that each person’s illness can be drastically different from the next.
Alpha-gal syndrome is difficult to diagnose for a few reasons. Many folks don’t even realize they’ve been bitten by a tick. The symptoms only come about three to eight hours after a meal, so we might just write off the headache as random, or the GI symptoms as food poisoning or general illness. For those with hives or shortness of breath, they might think of other irritants, like plants, pets, or detergents.
A blood test to detect the alpha-gal antibody can help with diagnosis. A skin test can also be done to see if a reaction is produced by introducing alpha-gal under the skin – just like other allergy tests.
Is a Tick Bite the Only Way to Contract AGS?
Alpha-gal syndrome can be contracted from a lone star tick bite but also could be contracted from chigger bites. AGS can also be introduced via blood transfusion. Other sources are not currently known, nor are there any identified or understood underlying risk factors.
For now, our best bet in avoiding tick-borne AGS is reducing our tick bite risk. This is one of many reasons tick control is so important .
Search for Westfield tick control and call Mosquito Squad!
Ready to discuss your yard tick control in Westfield MA ? Mosquito Squad of Springfield can help you deter and control an array of outdoor pests, including mosquitoes, ticks, and myriad outdoor pests! Contact us at (413) 418-3359 or fill out our online form for a complimentary pest control assessment and quote.
