Lone star ticks, named for the white splotch on adult females, are on the rise in the U.S., spreading mainly from the Southeast to Northern states and parts of Canada.
This article will explain what Lone Star Ticks are, how they can hurt you and your pets, and most importantly provide you with non toxic solutions to prevent, and treat these ticks from attacking.
Unlike blacklegged ticks that spread Lyme disease, lone star ticks are known for causing other serious illnesses and an unusual meat allergy. They hunt in packs, referred to as "tick bombs," and are much more aggressive than other tick species.
These ticks actively seek out hosts, making them a significant threat in areas where they are prevalent.
Lone Star ticks are notorious for spreading ehrlichiosis, a bacterial infection that causes fever, headache, and muscle aches. If not treated promptly, ehrlichiosis can lead to severe complications, including brain damage and organ failure, and can be fatal in rare cases.
Are your pets safe?
Ehrlichiosis can also affect dogs. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, enlarged lymph nodes, bleeding, and lameness. Chronic symptoms can include weight loss, joint swelling, and weakness.
What other illnesses can Lone Star Ticks carry?
Lone star ticks also carry bacteria responsible for tularemia and Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI), which mimics Lyme disease but has an unknown cause. Moreover, they are the primary carriers of the Heartland virus, a tick-borne virus with cases mainly in the Midwest and South. Limited testing means the full extent of Heartland virus infections remains unknown.
Lone Star ticks also carry a strange allergy which makes people allergic to meat. (and no, that is not a typo)
One of the strangest health issues linked to lone star ticks is the alpha-gal allergy, which makes people allergic to red meat. Unlike other allergies, reactions can be delayed by several hours after eating meat, making it difficult to diagnose.
How do Lone Star Ticks spread?
As lone star ticks spread, influenced by climate change and land use changes that increase deer populations, more people are at risk of developing this bizarre allergy. Deer, the main food source for these ticks, play a crucial role in their expanding range.
Preventing Lone Star Ticks (yes they are preventable)
Preventing lone star tick bites requires vigilance for you and your pets. Here are some tips.
- Keeping your yards and farmland tidy.
- Mowing grass, and fencing properties to keep deer out can help reduce tick populations.
- After spending time in tick-prone areas, showering can wash away unattached ticks and provides an opportunity to check for bites.
- Regular tick checks and prompt removal are essential in areas where lone star ticks are common, as their aggressive nature makes encounters more likely.
- An easy way to protect your animals from Lone Star ticks would be to use Premo Guard Pet Protector Spray. it can be used to kill or prevent ticks on your pets, and it's all natural and non-toxic. You can learn more about Premo Guard Pet Protector here.
- To protect yourself, when you go outside into tick prone areas, use Premo Guard's SleepGuard Spray on your clothes as a repellent.
- And finally when you return home from a Lone Star tick prone area, remove your clothing and wash them in Premo Guard Laundry Additive to kill any tick larvae or eggs you may have brought home. You can learn more about Premo Laundry Additive here.
If you have any questions about Lone Star ticks (Any tick species for that matter), or any of Premo Guards natural and non toxic pest protection products, please call us at 1-800-302-0058.
