Quick answer: The lone star tick is an aggressive tick now common across Long Island, especially Suffolk County. The adult female has a single white dot on her back. It does not transmit Lyme disease, but its bite is linked to alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat.
How do I identify a lone star tick?
- Adult females are reddish brown with one white spot in the center of the back
- Males have pale markings around the edge of the body
- Larvae are tiny and attack in clusters, often called seed ticks
- They move fast and actively pursue a host, unlike deer ticks, which wait
What is alpha-gal syndrome?
Alpha-gal syndrome is an allergy to a sugar found in beef, pork, lamb and other mammal products. It can develop after a lone star tick bite. Reactions are often delayed several hours after eating, which makes the cause hard to spot. Suffolk County has reported some of the highest numbers of suspected cases in the country. Anyone who suspects it should see a doctor.
What else do lone star ticks carry?
They are associated with ehrlichiosis and other illnesses. They are not known to transmit Lyme disease, which is spread by the blacklegged (deer) tick.
How is yard control different?
Deer ticks stay in shaded, humid edges. Lone star ticks tolerate sun and drier ground, so they turn up in open lawn and tall grass as well as the wood line. Treatment and mowing need to cover more of the yard, not just the perimeter.
How can I lower the risk at home?
- Keep grass short and edges trimmed
- Remove leaf litter and brush
- Discourage deer, which carry adult ticks into the yard
- Treat clothing with permethrin and use an EPA registered repellent
- Check for ticks after time outdoors, including pets
Related: Tick control on Long Island | Tick and mosquito service
This article is general information. Pesticides and repellents must always be applied according to the product label and state regulations.