A few weeks ago, I was mowing the lawn with my old, barely-working mower. My golden retriever, Mochi, lounged under the oak tree without a care in the world. That’s when I felt an odd tickle on my ankle.

At first, I assumed it was a mosquito. But when I looked down, I saw something far worse—a tiny black dot clinging to my skin. It wasn’t moving, and it definitely wasn’t flying away. I carefully removed it. There it was: a lone star tick, unmistakable with its white spot.

Why Ticks Are No Joke

I usually tolerate the annoyances nature throws at me. Mosquito bites? No problem. Bee stings? Painful, but manageable. But ticks? They send me into full-blown panic mode.

Ticks are more than just gross. They carry serious health risks, and the lone star tick is one of the worst offenders.

Meet the Lone Star Tick

Let’s get familiar with the enemy. The lone star tick is named for the single white spot on the back of the female. That’s about as charming as it gets.

Unlike some ticks that wait for a host to pass by, this one actively hunts. Yes, it will seek you out—especially in grassy or wooded areas. That makes it even more important to recognize and remove it quickly.