That moment of dread is unmistakable. You feel a tiny bump or an itch, look down, and find an unwelcome hitchhiker embedded in your skin. If that hitchhiker has a distinctive white dot on its back, you’ve found a lone star tick. Your mind might race with questions about diseases, especially the rare red meat allergy this tick is famous for.
First, don’t panic. Finding a tick is alarming, but swift, correct action dramatically reduces any risk of disease transmission. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do, from safe removal to monitoring your health.