Long Island is experiencing a lone star tick population explosion. These bloodthirsty arachnids (Yes, ticks are Arachnids!) have spread north and west from the American southeast, and are now a viable threat throughout nearly two-thirds of the country. They have been on Long Island for decades and are thriving due to a warming climate that allows for a longer breeding season. The East End is a hotbed of tick activity, and Suffolk County has one of the highest rates of tick-borne illness in the nation.

Female lone star ticks grow to approximately ¼ inch long, expanding to around twice that size after feeding. They are reddish-brown in color with a distinctive light-colored star on their backs. Adult males are a bit smaller, with whitish spots around the outside of their bodies. Female lone star ticks feed on blood meals and transmit diseases – including ehrlichiosis, alpha-gal syndrome, heartland virus, and an emerging bacterial infection called STARI.

Are Lone Star Ticks More Aggressive?

Lone star ticks “hunt,” actively seeking out their prey… unlike other tick species that wait for their next meal to happen by. They reproduce quickly and are often found in large groups. If you see one lone star tick, look again and you are almost certain to find more.

Are Lone Star Ticks Worse Than Deer Ticks?

Lone star ticks may be the more aggressive hunters, but deer ticks (also known as black-legged ticks) are responsible for more cases of tick-borne disease. Chief among these is Lyme disease, the most common tick-borne illness and a significant threat in this region.

How Long Does a Lone Star Tick Need to Be on You to Transmit Disease?

The length of time for a disease to be transmitted varies. It takes approximately 24 hours for an attached tick to spread ehrlichiosis and 36 hours to transmit STARI. There is no reliable data on transmission time for alpha-gal and heartland virus.

Because there are so many unknowns, it’s crucial to remove a tick as soon as possible. We advise performing a thorough tick check every time you are in an area where you may be exposed to ticks. Also, know and watch for symptoms of tick-borne illness.

How Do You Keep Lone Star Ticks Away?

As with any tick species, it’s wise to take precautions when entering or leaving areas where lone star ticks may be present. Wear protective clothing, use a proven tick repellent, and always perform regular tick checks on yourself, your children, and your pets.

If there are ticks near your home or on your property, consider engaging the services of a pest control professional. Trained technicians can eliminate existing ticks and create a year-round barrier to deter future tick incursions.

Do Lone Star Ticks Spread Lyme Disease?

No, Lone Star Ticks do not spread Lyme disease. However, they do spread a similar disease, known as STARI.

What Is STARI?

The acronym STARI stands for “southern tick-associated rash illness.” STARI is an emerging disease of unknown origin, spread by the bite of the lone star tick.

How Do You Tell the Difference Between STARI and Lyme Disease?

Because both STARI and Lyme disease are characterized by a round, bullseye rash that spreads outward from a bite… it is difficult to tell the difference immediately after a bite. In both diseases, the rash may be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and body aches.

Because STARI is so new, there is no test for it. Doctors typically treat it with antibiotics as they would Lyme disease.

Does a STARI Rash Go Away?

A STARI rash typically goes away within 12-14 days.

Does STARI Need to Be Treated?

Because a STARI rash is so similar to that of Lyme disease, many doctors recommend a preventative course of antibiotics. Currently, it is not known whether antibiotic treatments for STARI are completely necessary as it may resolve on its own in some people.

East End Tick and Mosquito Control® Makes Your Home a Tick-Free Zone

Long Island is home to multiple tick species and tick-vectored diseases. East End Tick and Mosquito Control® is your local prevention and removal expert, with over two decades of experience. If you see ticks on or near your property, contact us online, or call to schedule a free estimate. We can be reached at (631) 324-9700 in East Hampton, (631) 287-9700 in Southampton, or (631) 765-9700 in Southold.