The lone star tick is the aggressive, human-biting tick that dominates brushy and wooded areas across the CSRA and is linked to several tick-borne illnesses.

How to identify the Lone Star Tick

Reddish-brown; the adult female has a single distinctive white dot on her back. Nymphs are tiny and account for many bites.

Behavior & biology

It waits on grass and low brush at yard edges and trails, then latches onto passing hosts. It is active from spring through fall in the Southeast.

Why Lone Star Ticks are a problem

It bites people readily and transmits illnesses including ehrlichiosis and STARI, and its bite is associated with the alpha-gal red-meat allergy.

Signs of an infestation

Ticks found on people and pets after time outdoors, concentrated activity along brushy yard edges, tall grass, and wooded borders.

How we handle Lone Star Ticks in the CSRA

Perimeter treatment plus reducing brush and tall grass at yard edges cuts exposure. Our pest control program includes tick management. Call 803-226-3155 to schedule. Browse the full pest library.