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  • If You Love Steak, Beware of That Tick Bite

If You Love Steak, Beware of That Tick Bite

Posted by Mosquito Squad

December 20, 2023

It is getting close to that time of year when we fire up that grill and enjoy a perfectly cooked steak in our backyard. It is something most of us do every year and think nothing of it, but a tick bite can possibly ruin this simple pleasure we enjoy.

One of the ticks we have in the Greensboro, High Point, and Winston Salem area of North Carolina is the Lone Star Tick. The Lone Star Tick carries a sugar molecule called Alpha-gal. This sugar molecule is found in many animals like cows, deer, sheep, bison, and pigs. All the animals we may get red meat from. It is not found in humans.

 

The Lone Star Tick can pick up the Alpha-gal molecule from an animal like a deer. Then a tick bite to a human can transmit this molecule. The human body may develop an antibody reaction to this new sugar molecule being introduced to the system. In other words, this person may develop an allergic reaction. Every time this person consumes red meat they can have an allergic reaction.It is called Alpha-gal syndrome.

 

This allergic reaction is different than most. It is delayed. It can appear several hours after a person eats red meat. Sometimes it is mild with the person just having hives. For some, it is more severe with swelling and wheezing. Sometimes there is abdominal pain with nausea and diarrhea. The reaction can be so severe in some cases that an EpiPen may be needed or even a trip to the hospital.

A blood test can determine if you have it. A simple over the counter antihistamine may be sufficient. Unfortunately, there is no cure and people that have contracted Alpha-gal have to avoid red meat entirely. The allergy does seem to wane overtime.

 

Mosquito Squad can make sure you will be able to continue to enjoy that steak in your backyard. Mosquito Squad offers a barrier treatment that eliminates mosquito and tick bites on your property and we back it with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call us today at 336-617-5268 and receive your first treatment for $39 with the purchase of a season package.