Lone Star Tick Identification & Prevention

The lone star tick was once only found in the very southern portions of the United States. Over time they have expanded their territory and are now found successfully living in other regions, including all along the east coast. 

We identify lone star ticks from other ticks by their brown coloring and bright white spot on their back. After feeding, like other types of ticks, their body expands and turns grayish.

The sole source of nutrition for ticks is the blood of warm-blooded animals. As lone star ticks feed on different hosts throughout their life cycle, they can acquire and then spread diseases that make people and animals ill.

Lone star ticks are well-known for the spread of STARI (Southern Tick-Associated Rash). Another health risk posed by the lone star tick is the development of a severe red meat allergy. Allergic reactions like hives, swelling, and breathing difficulties can range from mild to life-threatening.

Keeping these ticks from developing large populations on your property will reduce the chance of tick bites and you or a family member acquiring a tick-borne disease.

If you live in a rural area, you are likely to experience problems with lone star ticks. These parasites travel from place to place on the backs of large wild animals like deer and foxes, rodents, and birds. They feed on the blood of domestic animals, livestock, and people.

The more animal activity in your yard, the more likely ticks will find their way into your yard and become a threat to your and your family. Things that attract the attention of tick-covered wild animals include bird feeders, open trash cans, pet food, and outdoor eating areas. 

Lone star ticks live in areas where their animal hosts live:

• Pastures, fields, and meadows
• Wood areas
• Gardens, shrubbery, and yards

In our yards, lone star ticks gather in areas where your pets spend a lot of time and under things like woodpiles, leaf piles, shrubbery, tall grass, or dense vegetation.

Controlling ticks is a job best left up to a professional. Trust Miche Pest Control to provide you with the effective pest control solutions necessary to remove ticks and other common household pests from your property.

We are a family-owned-and-operated business committed to helping families in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia solve their pest problems. We offer top-notch services to eradicate ticks and other problematic pests. Call today to learn more about the tick control services we provide through our effective residential or commercial pest control services!

In addition to implementing professional pest control services in DC, MD & VA, use the following tips to avoid contact with lone star ticks:

• Maintain your lawn and keep the grass cut short, especially around the foundation of your home, deck steps, and fences.
• Remove piles of leaves, grass, and other debris from your property.
• Keep shrubs and bushes pruned to limit shady hiding spots.
• Deter rodent activity by keeping lids on trash cans, removing bird feeders, and picking up uneaten pet food. 
• If you own pets, make sure, under the guidance of their veterinarian, that they are on a year-round tick preventative. 

To control lone star ticks and other problematic pests, reach out to the professionals at Miche Pest Control.