A few weeks ago, while mowing the lawn, I felt a strange tickle on my ankle. At first, I thought it was a mosquito. But when I looked closer, I saw something far worse—a tiny black dot clinging tightly to my skin. It was a lone star tick, easy to spot with its white marking.
Why Ticks Are Serious – Unlike mosquitoes or bees, ticks bring real danger. The lone star tick is one of the most concerning because it doesn’t just wait for a host—it actively hunts in grassy or wooded areas.
What To Do If You Find One – If a tick is attached, don’t panic. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grab it close to the skin. Pull slowly and steadily—never twist or crush it. After removal, clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Save the tick in a sealed container, along with the date and bite location, in case symptoms appear later.
Warning Signs to Watch – After a bite, monitor your health for rashes, fever, fatigue, or muscle aches. If symptoms appear, call your doctor right away. Prevention Matters. Stay safe by wearing long sleeves, using insect repellent, checking yourself and pets after being outdoors, and keeping your yard tidy.
