Ticks are some of the most annoying pests out there, along with some of the most dangerous due to their tendency to carry a plethora of diseases. More than ever, these ticks have been at the center of discussion due to their carrying of Alpha-gal Syndrome, a disease that gives the body an allergic reaction to red meat and mammal products. Because of that, fear of these ticks has risen in the past few months now that the spring and summer seasons are upon us. 

Lone star ticks are typically found in the southeastern and southcentral United States. However, the ticks are actively expanding their territory farther into the midwest due to a combination of climate change and growing deer populations, as ticks are known to leech off them. This is a growing concern for the people living in those areas.

The lone star ticks are much more aggressive than many other types of tick; they attempt to bite humans regularly and will actively pursue them if spotted. They are also quick, often swarm in the dozens and hatch from their eggs in the hundreds. They wait on leaves for people or animals to brush past, so they can easily leap onto and bite them.

So, how can they be avoided? Well, when outside in the woods, you can wear heavier clothes, and spray those clothes with 0.05% permethrin. Make sure to watch your surroundings, and don’t forget to use other bug sprays and insecticides to keep the ticks away.