Here’s What to Do If You Spot a Lone Star Tick

by: Nini
August 17, 2024

source: Judy Gallagher/Flickr

I was out in the backyard a few weeks ago, attempting to get my old, broken-down lawnmower to cut the grass without stalling every five minutes. It was one of those hot summer afternoons when the air seemed to shimmer, the concrete radiated heat, and the grass had that distinct scent that only appears when the sun is at its highest. My dog, a big, friendly golden retriever named Mochi, had stretched out under our oak tree, probably grateful that he didn’t have to lift a paw to help.

I recall having this itchy sensation, almost like a tickle but not quite, on my ankle. Initially, I believed it was a mosquito that wanted to feast on some blood, but when I looked down, I saw something far more alarming—a black speck that seemed to have no intention of ever flying away. For a moment, I felt that familiar fluttering in my chest, and without overthinking, I slowly removed the creature from my skin. There it was, a lone star tick—unmistakable with its white spot.

I have always been someone who easily ignores almost all the discomforts that nature has to offer. Mosquito bites? Some lotion for the itch, and I’m good to go. Bee sting? Sure, it hurts, but nothing a bit of ice can’t improve. But ticks? When it comes to creepy crawlies, ticks are in a completely different league. They’re like unwanted visitors who come and never leave, and to make things worse, they can introduce many health issues.

This was my first encounter with a tick, and it happened to be that dreaded lone star tick. If you’ve ever been faced with one yourself, you can only imagine the combination of disbelief and slight anxiety that accompanies it. But don’t worry, by the time you’re done reading this, you’ll be well-equipped to defend yourself against this notorious creature.

Now that you know what a lone star tick looks like, what should you do if you encounter one?

First things first, let’s get to know our enemy. The lone star tick is not just any run-of-the-mill tick. It got its name from the single white spot on the dorsal side of the females, which is about the only cute thing about this creature. This tick is known to be quite vicious. Unlike some ticks that wait for a host to come close enough, the lone star tick actively searches for a host. It will actually seek you out, which is why it’s important to be aware of it, especially if you are in wooded or grassy regions.

Firstly, Do Not Panic, but Act Quickly

The first thing to do when encountering ticks is to remain calm. Freaking out is not going to solve the problem and definitely won’t help you. When you notice a lone star tick on your skin, remove it immediately. The longer it’s attached, the higher the chances of it spreading something unpleasant.

To remove the tick, you’ll need a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Hold the tick as close to the skin as possible, and then remove it slowly and gently by pulling it off. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this could cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in your skin, creating another problem. After the tick has been removed, wash the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. And do not crush the tick between your fingers—ticks are resilient, and you don’t want to squeeze out any pathogens.

The Second Step Is to Monitor the Spot Closely

After successfully removing the tick, don’t just discard it. Capture the tick in a container or on a piece of tape so you can show it to your doctor if necessary. It might seem unpleasant, but as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Next, jot down the date you discovered the tick and the part of your body where it was attached. For the next few weeks, observe the site for potential signs of a rash, redness, or other symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, or muscle aches. These could be symptoms of an infection or a tick-borne disease which is transmitted by the lone star tick. If you notice anything abnormal, it’s best to contact your doctor.

Avoid Future Encounters

After dealing with one lone star tick, you probably never want to come across another. The best way to avoid ticks is to prevent them from latching on in the first place. If you’re planning to spend time outdoors in areas where ticks are common, take some precautions. Wear long sleeves, tuck your pants into your socks, and use a good repellent containing DEET, permethrin, or picaridin. When you come back inside, thoroughly check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks.

For your yard, keep the grass short, remove any fallen branches or brush, and place wood chips or gravel between your lawn and wooded areas to minimize exposure to ticks. If ticks are a big problem in your area, you may want to treat your yard with pesticides.

When encountering a lone star tick for the first time, you might be overwhelmed by all the potential issues it can cause. However, with the right information and a calm approach, you can handle it without too much trouble. The key is to act quickly, monitor your health afterward, and take steps to avoid future incidents. So, the next time you find yourself in nature and come across one of these tiny creatures, you won’t have to panic—you’ll know exactly what to do.