All About Alpha-Gal Syndrome & Tick Control in Waukesha County

Posted by Mosquito Squad

June 9, 2025

All About Alpha-Gal Syndrome & Tick Control in Waukesha County

Lyme disease is one of the most well-known tick-related diseases, and most people have heard of it. But there is another lesser-known disease that is making waves across the country. This increasingly relevant tick-borne disease is on the rise, and it is known as Alpha-Gal Syndrome. This emerging condition isn’t widespread in Wisconsin yet, but with the rise in tick populations across the Midwest, it’s a good idea to make sure you understand the risks.

What Is Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is a type of food allergy triggered by a bite from the lone star tick. The tick introduces a carbohydrate called alpha-gal into the body, which can cause the immune system to overreact when red meat or other mammal-derived products are consumed. These allergic reactions may be characterized by hives, swelling, stomach pain, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. These reactions are often delayed by several hours, so diagnosis is tricky. Those who are diagnosed with the condition will need to make lifestyle changes to adapt to their new dietary needs. While some infected individuals may see symptoms improve over time, most cases require long-term management. No cure is currently available.

What species of tick carries Alpha-Gal Syndrome?

Cases of Alpha-Gal Syndrome are transmitted by the lone star tick. This species is named for the white dot found on the back of adult females. Males don’t have this feature, but some may be identified by white streaks along the edges of their bodies. This tick is aggressive and moves quickly. It is also known to prefer feeding on humans rather than on other hosts. Lone star ticks typically inhabit wooded and brushy areas and are most active from early spring through late fall. AGS transmission happens when the tick feeds on a mammal and takes in the alpha-gal molecule, which it then transfers to a human during its next meal.

Should I be concerned about Alpha-Gal Syndrome in Wisconsin?

Historically, populations of lone star ticks have been concentrated in the southeastern United States, but their range has been expanding in recent years. As a result, a small number of lone star ticks have been discovered in Wisconsin, with confirmed detections as far north as Ashland. While they’re still considered rare, the Wisconsin Department of Health Service reports that the number of these ticks found each year is gradually increasing. This growth can be linked to a few different things, like warmer weather, longer tick seasons, and changes in both how humans travel and how animals migrate. While blacklegged ticks remain the dominant species in Wisconsin, encounters with lone star ticks and subsequent cases of AGS are still possible.

How can I help protect my family from exposure to tick bites?

Prevention is key, and that means implementing a proactive plan for tick control on your property. Mosquito Squad’s services are designed to reduce tick populations, which will then lower your risk of exposure to tick-borne illnesses. Though Alpha-Gal Syndrome is rare throughout the state, there are still thousands of confirmed cases of other tick-borne diseases each year, including Lyme, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and others.

We can help keep you and your loved ones protected from these diseases with our signature barrier protective treatment. This solution targets adult ticks where they live and breed, which includes shady, moist areas like brush, tall grasses, and under decks. Each application of the treatment can deter ticks for up to 21 days.

We also offer tick tubes, which take advantage of the natural behaviors of rodents in order to manage ticks. These biodegradable tubes are filled with insecticide-treated cotton and placed in strategic locations around your property. Small rodents like mice will use the cotton for nesting and thus carry the insecticide to different areas. As a result, you’ll benefit from a significant reduction in the tick population on your property, even in the off-season.