A while ago, while working outside, I felt a small tickle on my ankle and discovered a tiny black tick clinging on. It was a lone star tick, easy to spot because of the single white dot on its back. These ticks aren’t your typical creepy pests—they actively seek out their hosts by sensing body heat and carbon dioxide. They’re common in wooded or grassy areas in the southeastern and eastern U.S., and their bites can be more than just annoying—they carry risks of illness.
If you find one attached to your skin, don’t panic but act quickly. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab the tick as close to your skin as possible, and pull upward steadily without twisting or jerking. This prevents the mouthparts from breaking off and staying embedded. After removal, clean the bite area thoroughly with alcohol or soap and water, and never crush the tick with your fingers.
Don’t throw the tick away either. Save it in a sealed bag or container in case medical professionals need it for identification later. Write down the date and the place on your body where you found the tick. Watch for any symptoms like rash, fever, muscle aches, or fatigue over the next few weeks. If you notice anything unusual, see a doctor promptly—early treatment of tick-borne diseases is important.
To prevent future bites, cover up when outdoors by wearing long sleeves and tucking pants into socks. Use repellents containing DEET or treat your clothing with permethrin. After returning indoors, check yourself, your children, and pets thoroughly. Keep your yard tidy by cutting grass short and removing brush where ticks may hide. If ticks are a persistent problem, consider safe pesticides designed to reduce their numbers.
Dealing with lone star ticks can be scary, but knowing how to identify and remove them safely helps protect your health. With a little care and preparation, you can keep enjoying the outdoors without worry.
