A few weeks ago, while mowing the lawn, I felt a tickle on my ankle. Expecting a mosquito,

I looked down and found something worse — a lone star tick, identifiable by its white spot. More than a nuisance,

ticks spread serious diseases. The lone star tick is especially concerning as it actively seeks out hosts in grassy and wooded areas.

What to Do if You Find One
Stay calm. With fine-tipped tweezers, grasp the tick close to the skin and pull steadily without twisting.

Clean the bite with alcohol or soap and water. Never crush the tick; instead, save it in a container or on tape, noting the date and bite site.

Watch for Symptoms
Over the next weeks, monitor for fever, rash, fatigue, or muscle aches. If symptoms appear, contact your doctor immediately.

Prevention Matters
When outdoors, wear long sleeves, tuck pants into socks, and use repellents with DEET, permethrin, or picaridin. After returning indoors,

check yourself, children, and pets. At home, keep grass trimmed, clear brush, and add gravel barriers between lawns and wooded areas.

Final Thoughts
Ticks are unsettling, but prompt removal, careful monitoring, and prevention measures allow you to stay safe and enjoy the outdoors.