The lone star tick is a tiny but troublesome pest. This summer these invasive pests have made their way into Michigan, bringing with them a serious health concern. Unlike other tick species which are primarily known for spreading Lyme disease, the lone star tick is notorious for triggering alpha-gal syndrome-a condition that causes an allergic reaction to red meat. As these ticks spread further north, their presence in Michigan has raised alarm, but researchers at the University of Michigan (UofM) may have found a way to mitigate the threat.