by Dr. Sarah Treanor Bois, PhD
Director of Research & Conservation at the Linda Loring Nature Foundation
I first encountered lone star ticks on Tuckernuck Island in 2015. I had one adult female hitchhike back to Nantucket on me. At the time, it was only the second report from Nantucket with many more known from Tuckernuck. Of course, it was just a matter of time before Nantucket, and all of its available habitat, became the next place for lone star ticks to populate. Since then, lone star ticks (Amblyomma americanum) have established and become dominant in parts of Nantucket starting in the western end and are now found throughout the island. And, yes, they are found all the way to the eastern end.
The lone star tick is one example of a “climate refugees”: a term used to describe species whose ranges are expanding due to changing climate. Traditionally from south-eastern, south-central, and mid-Atlantic states, their distribution has been expanding. A warming climate is making larger swaths of the northern U.S. more hospitable to lone star ticks, which can now be found as far west as Colorado and Wyoming and as far north as Maine.
Lone star ticks are notable (and named) for the distinctive white dot on their reddish-brown bodies, which is only found on adult females. The adult males have white dots or streaks on the outer edges of their bodies. Nymphs are smaller and distinguished by reddish-brown bodies and fast speed. Yes, they will “run” up your clothes upon contact.
Lone star ticks are known to be more aggressive than black-legged ticks actively “hunting” down a host instead of passively hoping one walks by since they are attracted to carbon dioxide (basically us breathing out).
What are we to do?
I have a high exposure rate to ticks due to my job working outdoors in the field and off trail conducting research. Tromping around the grasses, shrubs, swamps, and other unmanaged habitats of Nantucket puts me, and others in our profession, at a higher risk of exposure. Here is some of what we do to minimize tick bites:
The first, and best, line of defense is prevention. Keeping trails mowed and staying on paths is a good first step. We wear closed-toed shoes and long pants at all times. However, staying on mowed trails isn’t always possible when conducting research or managing habitat. At work, I treat my field pants (the ones I wear out in the brush everyday), socks, shoes, and hat with permethrin. I know that choice isn’t for everyone, but it is one I am personally comfortable with. I spray the outside of my field clothes with permethrin while I am not wearing them and let them dry in the sun. Supposedly, the permethrin will be effective for more than 40 washes. I generally reapply every couple of weeks.
It’s also important to check periodically throughout the day for ticks and pull them off clothing right away. For tiny ticks – the nymphs– I recommend a heavyduty lint roller. Duct tape also works. At the end of a work day (or time in the field), wash clothes immediately. A hot dryer will also kill ticks. Don’t leave them to linger in the clothes hamper.
The real question everyone asks is what do I do once I’ve been bitten by a tick? I will preface this by saying you should, of course, consult a medical professional. For black-legged ticks (formerly called “deer ticks”), if you find them biting you, you have to get their whole body off/out of you ASAP. If the tick was on you less than 24 hours, generally you are fine.
Lone star ticks are a different entity. Unlike other ticks, their long mandible means that their bites can feel like a little sting. Like other ticks, they go for moisture, so they bite in places like armpits, back of the knees, waistbands, and other nether-regions. The difference in a lone star tick bite is that they can bite and keep going. They don’t always burrow in. That’s great because they don’t stay, but it also means one tick can bite multiple times. And they are itchy!
The good news about lone star ticks is that overall, they have a much lower infection rate for tick-borne diseases. According to our state website at mass.gov/info-details/tick-borne-disease-prevention, “Lone star ticks are not a significant source of human illness in Massachusetts at this time but are capable of spreading tularemia, ehrlichiosis, and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI),” however, the prevalence of these infections is much lower.
The other aspect of lone star ticks that is not to be taken lightly is that these ticks can cause Alpha-gal syndrome. Alpha-gal syndrome (or AGS) is what is commonly called the “meat allergy.” Getting bitten by a lone star tick doesn’t immediately make you allergic to meat. Everyone reacts differently, and it’s a combination of genetics, how many bites you get, how long the tick remains. Alpha-gal stands for galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, a sugar that’s found in red meat, including pork and beef, as well as in certain animal products, such as milk and gelatin. It’s also found in the saliva of lone star ticks. When some people are bitten by the lone star tick, their immune system reacts to the alpha-gal, and then the next time they eat red meat, their antibodies produced in response to the tick bite go overboard and cause a hyperactive immune response. So, alphagal syndrome is a both tick-borne condition and a food allergy.
This is a new and emerging issue and, as such, it’s a new area of research. AGS was only formally recognized in the medical community in 2009. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t here and already affecting Nantucketers. A recent article in a Martha’s Vineyard publication stated hundreds of cases on AGS on that island, sparking interest in how many were found on Nantucket. When we asked the Nantucket Cottage Hospital for their data, they said that during the past year plus (January 2024 thru April 2025), only three tests were given and of those, only one came back positive. That is shocking to me since I personally know six people who have tested positive and shared the info with me. And if the results on Nantucket are anything like Martha’s Vineyard (I suspect they will be), we should be ready for an exponential increase in AGS.
One conservation colleague who spoke to me about their experience with AGS said that at the time of diagnosis (2021) there was little information or support. The internet was a black hole of scary information that was difficult to navigate. In fact, the alpha-gal diagnosis was given after a litany of other tests couldn’t explain their symptoms. Even then, there were no resources or assistance given to navigate the new diagnosis. It was a lot of trial and error as they dealt with life and diet changes for them and their family.
Now there are more resources and support to share information with others affected by AGS. The website alphagalinformation. org serves as a clearinghouse pulling together info about AGS, diagnosis, symptoms, and the latest research. It strives to provide real info and curates the latest knowledge to avoid sensationalism.
Right now, more data and research are needed to understand how many people are affected by this condition and why certain people develop it. AGS has to be diagnosed by a health-care professional. Testing for AGS is not part of the regular tick panel. People have to ask for the test and some have found doctors to be hesitant.
As with many allergies, the actual severity of the allergy is very individualized. People who suffer from AGS may experience wide ranging symptoms, including hives or itchy rash; nausea or vomiting; heartburn or indigestion; diarrhea; cough; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, throat, tongue, or eye lids; dizziness or faintness; or severe stomach pain. Symptoms commonly appear 2-6 hours after eating food or other exposure to products containing alpha-gal.
The people I know on Nantucket who have the alpha-gal syndrome have described experiencing debilitating gastric distress after eating meat (usually about 6 hours), swollen lips and mouth, and/or hive-like rashes. None has gone into anaphylactic shock, but all have changed their diets to stop eating red meat and other mammal products. Some people can still have dairy, while others find they have a reaction to it. The important thing to remember if you think you have these symptoms is to check with your health care professional.
When I asked what advice you would give someone who just found out that they have AGS, my colleague said this, “Take a breath. Give yourself grace.” There could be a grieving period for the life previously led, but there is now support to the changing lifestyle. Navigating things like eating out can be awkward and tricky. But there are many meat-free options available.
For one colleague with AGS, the Instagram @twoalphagals has become a community support. Started by Candice Matthis and Debbie Nichols after they were both diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome in 2019, the site provides a community of support for those living with AGS. In addition to sharing knowledge, it provides connection and support for those having to make lifestyle changes. As they state, they help people “navigate the alpha-gal lifestyle.” The two alphagals also advocate for AGS-safe food labels and started the Alpha Gal Foundation to help share information. After speaking with people I know who have AGS, this can be a lifeline when the other options offer scare-tactics and misinformation.
One piece of good news is that, for some people, the alpha-gal syndrome can lessen and even disappear over time. The one colleague diagnosed in 2021 has since tested their tolerance and is now AGS symptom free. It’s not a free pass, however. Their focus is now avoiding getting bitten again. As we said before, prevention is the key.
It looks like on Nantucket we’ll be living with lone star ticks for the foreseeable future. Knowing the risks and taking steps towards prevention is important. We can all still go outside and enjoy nature.
