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

Native to the southeastern and eastern United States (though its range is expanding), the Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) earns its name from the distinctive white spot on the female’s back. Unlike many ticks that wait passively on vegetation, this species actively hunts—detecting breath, body heat, and vibrations to seek out hosts. They’re aggressive, persistent, and increasingly common in wooded areas, tall grass, and even suburban yards.

→ Ehrlichiosis (flu-like symptoms, fatigue, fever)

→ Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI) (a Lyme-like rash)

→ Alpha-gal syndrome (a red meat allergy triggered by the tick’s saliva)

→ Tularemia (less common but serious)

Note: They do not transmit Lyme disease (that’s primarily deer ticks), but their bite should still be taken seriously.

Stay calm. Your response in the next 60 seconds matters more than your initial reaction.

Gather fine-tipped tweezers (not blunt household tweezers—they crush the tick).

Grasp the tick as close to your skin’s surface as possible—targeting the head/mouthparts, not the bloated body.