How to Get Rid of Lone Star Ticks
An aggressive, reddish-brown tick of the Southeast and East; adult females have a single white spot on the back. All life stages bite people. If you are seeing them in woods and along trails and in lawns and grass, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and DEET or picaridin on skin
- Do a full-body tick check after time outdoors
- Keep lawns mowed and brush cleared at the yard edge
Lone star tick bites are linked to ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy.
Confirm you have lone star ticks
Correct identification matters, because the right fix for lone star ticks differs from the fix for their lookalikes. Adults measure 3–6 mm (up to about 0.24 in) and are usually brown, red and white. Look for these features:
- Single white dot on the back of adult females
- Long mouthparts visible from above
- Moves actively toward people rather than waiting
They are most often confused with American dog tick and blacklegged tick. See the full lone star tick profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have lone star ticks
Lone Star Ticks live outdoors and find people by sensing carbon dioxide, body heat and movement. Tall grass, brush, standing water and shady, humid areas support large populations. Pets and wildlife can carry them close to the house. They are most active in spring and summer, so expect to see more of them then.
When you'll see lone star ticks
Lone Star Ticks are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: woods or trails and lawn or grass.
Step-by-step: getting rid of lone star ticks
Step 1: Use permethrin-treated clothing
Use permethrin-treated clothing and DEET or picaridin on skin. Keep notes on where you still see activity so you can focus your effort.
Step 2: Do a full-body tick check after time outdoors
Do a full-body tick check after time outdoors. Repeat this for at least two to three weeks, since eggs and hidden insects keep appearing for a while.
Step 3: Keep lawns mowed
Keep lawns mowed and brush cleared at the yard edge. Repeat this for at least two to three weeks, since eggs and hidden insects keep appearing for a while.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Use an EPA-registered repellent on exposed skin, following the label.
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin where appropriate.
- Wear long sleeves and pants tucked into socks in high-risk areas.
- Shower soon after coming indoors.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Consider a professional yard treatment if bites are frequent despite personal protection, but personal precautions remain the most reliable defense against lone star ticks.
How to keep lone star ticks from coming back
- Mow grass regularly and clear brush at the edge of the yard.
- Remove standing water every week.
- Keep play areas and patios away from wooded borders.
- Protect pets with veterinarian-recommended products.
Safety notes
Lone star tick bites are linked to ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy.
Call 911 right away if someone has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness or a racing heartbeat after a bite or sting.
About ticks, mites & other arachnids
The lone star tick is one of the ticks, mites & other arachnids. This group includes ticks, mites, scorpions and harvestmen. Like spiders, adults have eight legs and no antennae, though larval ticks and chiggers have only six. Ticks and some mites feed on blood or skin, while scorpions hunt insects and harvestmen scavenge.
Ticks move through larva, nymph and adult stages, and each stage needs a blood meal. Nymphs are tiny and active in late spring and summer, which is when many tick-borne infections happen.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of lone star ticks?
Use permethrin-treated clothing and DEET or picaridin on skin. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are lone star ticks dangerous?
Lone star tick bites are linked to ehrlichiosis and alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy.
When are lone star ticks most active?
Lone Star Ticks are most active in spring and summer.
What do lone star ticks look like?
Single white dot on the back of adult females. Adults measure 3–6 mm (up to about 0.24 in).