A lone star tick can give you a disease that makes you allergic to meat. Know how to spot it before it bites.This week’s Insider Deals are so good you’ll want all of themA lone star tick can give you a disease that makes you allergic to meat. Know how to spot it before it bites.like Lyme and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, the lone star tick can cause you multiple issues -- including a disease that can make you allergic to meat.
The lone star tick’s most distinctive feature is its starlike white splotch, found on adult females. And while other ticks spread germs that cause more widely known diseases like Lyme, a bite from this species can cause a whole range of issues. “With these ticks, you have to worry about more than just meat allergies. They can also spread diseases like ehrlichiosis, which, if left untreated, can damage the brain or nervous system, and the Heartland virus, which can cause fever, fatigue, and joint pain,” explained Consumer Reports Health Editor Catherine Roberts.
And as with other tick species, using an effective insect repellent is one key way of protecting against tick bites. The most effective repellents against mosquitoes and ticks contain 25% to 30% Deet as their active ingredient., recommended repellents include Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent Wipes, Ben’s Tick & Insect Repellent Wilderness Formula Pump, and 3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent8. All provide excellent protection.
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