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

A few weeks ago, while trying to mow my lawn with an old, barely-working mower, my golden retriever, Mochi, lounged under the oak tree, clearly enjoying his laziness. I felt an odd tickling sensation on my ankle and, assuming it was a mosquito, looked down—only to discover a black dot firmly attached to my skin.

To my horror, it was a lone star tick, recognizable by the white dot on its back. I carefully removed it, but the panic had already set in. I usually handle nature’s nuisances well—mosquitoes, bee stings—but ticks? They terrify me. They’re not just gross; they can carry serious diseases.

Lone star ticks are aggressive parasites. The female’s white spot gives them their name, and unlike other ticks, they actively seek out a host rather than waiting passively. If you’re in grassy or wooded areas, be aware—they will come for you.

If you find one on you, don’t panic (I totally did, though). Instead, use fine tweezers to gently pull it straight out from the skin. Twisting can leave parts behind. Afterward, disinfect the area thoroughly and never crush the tick with your fingers.

Don’t toss the tick! Save it in a container or tape to show a doctor if symptoms appear. Note the date and location on your body. Monitor for rashes, fevers, or fatigue, and contact your doctor if anything unusual develops.

To avoid ticks, wear protective clothing, use repellents, and always check yourself and pets after being outdoors.

Maintain your yard by mowing, removing debris, and possibly using pesticides to reduce tick habitats. Taking proper steps can help you avoid a scary repeat experience.