Concerned about ticks? With so much media coverage about the dangers of ticks, you’re probably aware of how harmful these arachnids can be. Among the most troublesome is the Lone Star tick. Here’s a short FAQ:

Why should I worry? While the Lone Star tick does not transmit Lyme disease, it can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever or STARI (Southern tick-associated rash illness). This rash may resemble the “bullseye” we sometimes see with Lyme disease, but the Lone Star tick doesn’t transmit the same bacteria. The beginning symptoms are similar and flu-like: fever, headache, fatigue and muscle aches. Fortunately, patients recover quickly using antibiotics.

Where are they found? Lone Star ticks dwell in wooded areas with dense undergrowth. If you live in an area near tall grass on the periphery of a wooded area or dense foliage, we recommend treatment. It’s also important to have the interior of your home treated, too, as ticks crawl inside for warmth during winter months. We use low-impact methods to create a space that’s no longer attractive for them.

Are they similar to other ticks? In some respects, they are very similar. For example, There are three stages of this tick’s life cycle, and all three are aggressive human biters.

  1. Larvae: Of the three stages, larvae are active latest into the season (September), though they don’t typically start feeding until July. They feed off small animals and humans for around four days before falling off and molting into nymphs.
  2. Nymphs: Nymphs crawl up pant legs in droves and can bite within 10 minutes. We begin to see the nymphs in May, and they stay until early August. If they latch on undetected, they’ll feed for about a week, fall off, and molt into adults.
  3. Adults: Adult Lone Stars settle on tall grass or on low-lying branches waiting to attach themselves to small animals and people. Adults are most active from late spring through August.

What should I do? After spending time near any dense undergrowth or woods, sweep your body for ticks. You may feel them crawling before they attach. But if not, a simple check can help locate any feeders. Pay close attention to your underarms, groin and scalp (especially behind ears, but really throughout any hair). The sooner you can detach them, the better.

If you do find a tick on you, it’s important to remove the entirety of its body, as its head may be sunk into your skin. Use tweezers to pull it out and kill it. Check your pets for ticks as well. If they’re present nearby, you’ll likely find some on your dog.

The Lone Star tick is the most common tick biter of humans throughout Florida. If you think ticks might be a problem, give Slug-A-Bug a call at (321) 259-7844. We will assess your property inside and out.