Lone Star Tick Facts
The lone star tick is common in the Southern part of the United States, but it has been found along the East Coast all the way up to Maine. The tick gets its name from the sole white spot that decorates its back. Like other ticks, this one can transmit a variety of diseases that are harmful to both humans and animals.
Lone Star Tick Bites
Lone star ticks will often bite humans and can transmit several diseases. These may include Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness or STARI. If you’ve contracted this illness, you’ll develop an expanding rash as far as three inches from where you were bitten. This is followed by fever, muscle pain, and weakness. STARI is easily treated with antibiotics. The other disease carried by lone star ticks is Ehrlichiosis. This disease harbors bacteria within cells, affecting both humans and animals. In humans, fever, muscle pain, and vomiting may occur. In your animals, they may experience fatigue and abnormal bleeding.
While humans may exhibit a combination of severe symptoms, they are not usually fatal. Animals and small children, however, may be more susceptible to being severely affected by tick bites.
Lone Star Tick Infestation
These are three-host ticks, meaning they will attach to three separate animals over the course of their development. Young lone star ticks will hide out in sheltered areas, waiting to pounce on any mammals that happen to walk by. They then pierce the skin and suck the blood of the animal, fall off, and look for another host. This happens three times, and with each host, the tick gets bigger, as does the amount of blood ingested.
You’ll find the lone star tick attached to a variety of different animals. Humans, dogs, cattle, and even occasionally birds can have these pesky guys attached to their bodies.
Lone Star Tick Infestation
Types of Lone Star Ticks
The lone star tick is similar in size to the American dog tick with a body that measures up to half-an-inch long after blood feeding. They are brown in color, with females having a white spot on the back. Male lone star ticks have several spots around the top of their bodies.
Lone Star Ticks in the Yard & House
The lone star tick is not picky when it comes to choosing host. They will infest deer, coyotes, smaller wildlife, cattle, pets, and, of course, people. Wildlife and stray animals can bring ticks into your property, or the ticks may sneak in themselves if you live near an area with heavy vegetation. You and your pet may also pick up ticks during a walk and accidentally bring them into your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you remove lone star ticks?
The best way to remove ticks is with fine-tipped tweezers. Plucking them away from the skin with a fluid, even motion should effectively remove the entire body. Squeezing the tick will push infected material into the wound, so this is not recommended.
How do you prevent lone star ticks?
Don’t go into heavily wooded areas or places with a lot of wild vegetation. Ticks love to hide here because they are often warm and moist. If you do find yourself on a hike, tuck in your shirt, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, as well as high socks. This will protect your skin from ticks. When you return, do a thorough check of all your clothing to make sure ticks aren’t hiding anywhere. It doesn’t hurt to check your body, too, as ticks may attach without you even knowing.
What are the benefits of professional tick control and removal?
A licensed pest control specialist has the educational background, equipment, and skill to effectively and safely address a pest or wildlife problem.
Tick infestations are especially difficult to handle due to their small size and unnoticeable attacks. To protect yourself, pets, and loved ones, it’s best to enlist an experienced pest control expert to remove a tick infestation or other lawn pest problem from the property.
To learn more about how a pest control specialist can help effectively solve a lawn pest problem or to schedule a free inspection, contact us.
