One year ago, we told you how the lone star tick had infiltrated Rhode Island and was working its way through Massachusetts. This aggressive tick was normally found in the southern United States, but has worked its way northward and is becoming more common here on the SouthCoast.
While most area residents have become used to checking themselves for ticks after being outside and especially in wooded or grassy areas, we are typically looking for blacklegged ticks, also known as deer ticks.
While we are aware that deer ticks can spread Lyme disease, these lone star ticks bring with them a whole different affliction.
What Is a Lone Star Tick?
A lone star tick is distinguishable by the white spot on the back of adult females that resembles a star. Adult males may have white streaks or spots as well…