Pest Library
Lone Star Tick
The lone star tick is one of the most commonly encountered ticks in the Southeast. Adult females carry a single white spot on the back, and the larval stage — the tiny seed ticks that arrive by the dozen — is often the first sign a property has heavy tick habitat.
Profile
- Scientific name
- Amblyomma americanum
- Identification
- Reddish-brown; females with one distinct white dot, males with faint pale streaks along the rear margin. Larvae are pinhead-sized with six legs.
- Typical size
- Unfed adults about 1/8-3/16 inch (3-5 mm); larvae under 1 mm.
- Behavior
- Actively seeks hosts rather than waiting passively, and all stages will bite people.
- Habitat
- Wooded understory, brushy edges, deer trails and shaded leaf litter.
- Diet
- Blood of deer, other mammals and people.
- Lifecycle
- Three-host cycle; larvae, nymphs and adults each active in overlapping warm-season windows.
- Why it matters
- Lone star ticks can transmit disease and are associated with allergic reactions in some people. Remove attached ticks promptly and take medical questions to a healthcare provider.
- DIY considerations
- Ticks come from habitat and wildlife pressure, so clearing and mowing come before any product.
- Professional considerations
- Service concentrates on habitat zones, shaded edges and travel corridors on seasonal timing.
Signs of activity
- Dozens of pinhead-sized larvae on socks or pets at once
- Ticks found after time in wooded or brushy parts of a property
- Deer activity and trails along the property line
Prevention
- Keep lawn mowed and clear leaf litter in shaded areas
- Maintain a buffer between wooded areas and used yard space
- Discourage deer traffic near the house where possible
- Use veterinarian-recommended prevention on pets and check them after outdoor time
Sources
Related information
Seeing lone star tick at your property?
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