Beware! Lone Star Tick Diseases Could Last a Lifetime

Lone Star Ticks are all over Virginia and one bite can cause years of negative impacts

It's a rare Richmonder who hasn't had a tick crawling on them at some point, and lone star ticks are some of the worst.

What Does A Lone Star Tick Look Like?

Why Are Lone Star Ticks Dangerous?

How Can I Protect Against Lone Star Ticks?

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What Does A Lone Star Tick Look Like?

As the picture above shows, the lone star tick is named for the single white dot on the center of the tick's back. This dot only appears on the females; the males actually have small white streaks or horseshoe-shaped markings on their backs. While the males are slightly smaller, the females grow to be about an 1/8 of an inch and both are a reddish-brown color. Ticks are oval or slightly tear-drop shaped (or roughly the size and shape of a watermelon seed). As they are arachnids, they have eight legs instead of the typical six you'd expect from an insect.

Ticks are notoriously hard to kill due to their exoskeleton being so hard, like shell of protection. They are also resistant to water (surviving three days fully submerged) and can survive freezing temperatures. They can also go long periods of time without feeding. Disgustingly, when ticks are engorged (full of blood), they can get to be almost a half-inch long and they are so stretched out they turn a grayish color.

Why Are Lone Star Ticks Dangerous?

First, the lone star tick is aggressive. While most ticks will wait for a host to brush against it for transferring to feed, lone star ticks will actively chase hosts and will seek out heat and movement.

While lone star ticks don't spread lyme disease, they do have several other diseases that can cause real issues for people. First, and most notably, lone star ticks spread Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS), which most people just call the red meat allergy. They transmit a sugar molecule through their saliva when they bite that can trigger an allergy to most meats (poultry and fish being the safe alternatives). The allergy extends to byproducts such as gelatin, broth, and dairy products such as cow's milk. The reaction is delayed, appearing several hours after eating, but the symptoms can be severe: hives, vomiting, and difficulty breathing (even anaphylaxis) are some. While this allergy may eventually fade, many people struggle with it for years or even the rest of their life.

Additionally, these ticks carry Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia, Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness, and Heartland and Bourbon Viruses. While these diseases are treatable, the symptoms can be miserable until medication can be administered. Most of these cause fever, fatigue, aches and pains in joints and muscles, and headaches.

In addition to the danger lone star ticks cause to you and your family, animals can be severely effected as well. Cats are especially at risk, as they can contract Cytauxzoonosis (Bobcat fever) which is deadly. Dogs can develop bacterial infections that make them vomit, lethargic, weak, and can even cause bleeding disorders.d

How Can I Protect Against Lone Star Ticks?

It's important to prevent lone star ticks from biting you, which means keeping them off in the first place. Cover up when you're in areas where ticks may be present (tall grasses, bushes, leaf piles) and use insect repellent on any exposed skin. You can treat your clothing and shoes with permethrin, which kills ticks on contract but never put it on your skin. Wearing light colors will make it easier to spot any ticks that make their way onto your clothing. Always check for ticks before going inside. Remember, being submerged in water does not kill them so throwing clothes in a washing machine won't do the job for you.

Keep your grass mowed short and create a barrier around your house of gravel, rock, or wood chips. A similar barrier can be helpful between your lawn and any wooded or unkempt areas that may border your grass.

Remember, however, that these ticks are aggressive and will crawl into your yard as they sense movement. Having a professional pest control barrier around your home and a consistent yard treatment (not just for mosquitos- make sure it kills ticks too!) will be vital in keeping your outside spaces safe for you, your pets, and your family.

Let us help you protect your loved ones and your property. Ticks are prolific this time of year so call us today!

To learn about more local Virginia pests, check out our pest library and our other blog posts