PestDex Details
Lone Star Tick
Amblyomma americanum
arachnid
Aggressive tick expanding north in VA/MD. Causes alpha-gal red meat allergy.
How to Identify
- •Female has distinctive white dot on back
- •Reddish-brown, pea size when engorged
- •More aggressive than deer tick — actively pursues hosts
- •Painful bite, often noticed immediately
Where Found
Wooded edges, trails, tall grass. Prefers drier areas than deer tick. Southern MD, Virginia suburbs see increasing populations.
Seasonality
Active April–September. Peak June–July.
Health & Property Risk
Transmits STARI (Lyme-like illness), ehrlichiosis. Saliva can trigger alpha-gal syndrome — severe allergy to red meat. Reactions can be life-threatening. Allergy can last years.
Prevention Tips
- •Same as deer tick — repellent, protective clothing, tick checks
- •Treat pets for ticks (they bring them indoors)
- •Create tick-safe zones: wood chips/gravel between lawn and woods
- •Consider professional yard treatment
- •If bitten, watch for meat allergy symptoms (hives 3–6 hours after eating beef/pork)
Treatment Notes
Yard barrier treatment. Vegetation management. Remove tick promptly if attached. Save tick for ID. Seek medical care if symptoms develop.