Massachusetts’ Nasty New Tick: What You Need to Know

One year ago, we told you how the lone star tick had infiltrated Rhode Island and was working its way through Massachusetts. This aggressive tick was normally found in the southern United States, but has worked its way northward and is becoming more common here on the SouthCoast.

READ MORE: Does Massachusetts Need to Worry About the Lone Star Tick?

While most area residents have become used to checking themselves for ticks after being outside and especially in wooded or grassy areas, we are typically looking for blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks.

While we are aware that deer ticks can spread Lyme disease, these lone star ticks bring with them a whole different affliction.

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What Is a Lone Star Tick?

A lone star tick is distinguishable by the white spot on the back of adult females that resembles a star. Adult males may have white streaks or spots as well.

Like blacklegged ticks, they can commonly be found on white-tailed deer, but can also attach themselves to all kinds of other hosts, including rodents and especially humans.

What Can Lone Star Ticks Cause?

Lone star ticks can cause a person to develop alpha-gal syndrome, which can result in an allergic reaction to things such as red meat, dairy and other things that come from certain mammals.

Imagine sitting down to a nice, juicy steak and it causes your throat to close and your blood pressure to drop; it can also cause other issues with your skin, gastrointestinal system and respiratory system.

Last summer, there were a number of cases of alpha-gal on Martha’s Vineyard related to lone star ticks (seen below alongside a deer tick and a dog tick).

New Bedford Science Café Will Have a Talk on Ticks

On Tuesday, May 6 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the New Bedford Science Café’s monthly discussion will focus on lone star ticks and more. It’s called “The New Tick on the Block: The Lone Star Tick and Tick Biology 101” and it will be presented by Blake Dinius, entomologist educator for Plymouth County.

It will be held at The Last Round Bar & Grille, located at 908 Purchase Street in New Bedford. Admission is free, with free parking in the rear of the building.