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Alternative Earthcare Shares 3 Things Southampton Residents Should Know About the Lone Star Tick

Southampton, N.Y., July 27, 2016 Alternative Earthcare has been providing quality residential and commercial services across Long Island, New York since 1996. Specializing in mosquito, flea, and east end tick control, traditional lawn services (including aeration and seeding), irrigation system services, tree removal and pruning, and Christmas and holiday light installation, the team of professionals successfully caters to your needs in the least toxic, most organic way possible.

 
Southampton residents are no stranger to the invasive presence of ticks on their property and in recreational areas. Not all ticks transmit the same diseases or even behave in the same way. One species of tick that is growing in numbers on Long Island’s east end is the Lone star tick, and it’s dangerous. Properties should be protected against this pest with regular tick spraying treatments and preventative measures should be taken to avoid facilitating habitats. Alternative Earthcare shares three things Southampton residents should know about the Lone star tick.

 
My family and I were reminded several weeks ago of the health threat from ticks when my cousin went on a camping trip. My cousin returned home tick-free, but his wife found three small deer ticks embedded in his skin. So far, he is fortunate that he has not shown any symptoms of Lyme disease, but his physician has scheduled a blood test because Lyme disease is common in our area. So my cousin’s ordeal with ticks is not over yet.

  1. The Lone star tick spreads more disease than any other species of tick. The Lone star tick is implicated in the transmission of both Lyme disease as well as Rocky Mountain spotted fever. In addition to these commonly known illnesses, the Lone star tick also transmits ehrlichiosis, tularemia, rickettsiosis, and theileriosis.
  2. The Lone star tick is easy to identify. Lone star ticks have a distinct appearance. In most cases, a tick bite is inflicted by the female, however, it is essential to know what both sexes look like in case of bites. Both the male and female have oval, slightly flattened bodies. The dorsal shield of the female has a distinct white spot near the center of her back, whereas the male has whitish spots along the rear of the body. When engorged, the spots will appear lighter, but will still be visible.
  3. Lone star ticks can cause meat allergies. A chemical released in a Lone star tick bite can cause people to develop a meat allergy. Meat allergies can range from mild to severe with symptoms that include hives or rashes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, headaches, asthma, and even anaphylaxis.

 
Serving both Suffolk and Nassau County, including the East End and the Hamptons, Alternative Earthcare offers a variety of organic, non-toxic lawn care services for your home or business. In addition to beautifying and maintaining properties, the award-winning staff is also dedicated to the safety and health of their customers.