The Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is a species of tick native to the southeastern United States, but in recent years, its range has expanded to include the northeastern United States, including New Jersey. The Lone Star tick is named for the single white spot on the back of adult females, which resembles the shape of the state of Texas. While all ticks pose a risk to human and animal health, the Lone Star tick is of particular concern because it is a known carrier of several diseases and can cause a range of allergic reactions.
History of the Lone Star Tick in New Jersey The Lone Star tick was first reported in New Jersey in 2013, when a resident of Hunterdon County submitted a tick specimen to the state’s Department of Environmental Protection. Since then, the tick has been found in several counties throughout the state, including Bergen, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, and Warren. While the exact reason for the tick’s spread to New Jersey is not known, experts speculate that it may be due to a combination of factors, including climate change, increased travel, and migration of wildlife that carry the tick.
Identification and Life Cycle of the Lone Star Tick The Lone Star tick can be identified by several characteristics. Adult females have a single white spot on their backs, while adult males have a series of white markings on their backs. The tick’s body is reddish-brown and oval-shaped, and its mouthparts are visible from above. The Lone Star tick is smaller than some other tick species, with adult females measuring approximately 3 to 4 mm in length and adult males measuring approximately 2 to 3 mm in length.
Like all ticks, the Lone Star tick has a four-stage life cycle: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The tick spends most of its life on the ground, waiting for a host to pass by. Once the tick finds a host, it attaches itself and feeds on the host’s blood. The length of time that the tick remains attached to the host varies depending on its life stage and sex, with adult females typically feeding for longer periods than adult males.
This is how SMALL the nymphs are in the fall
Diseases Carried by the Lone Star Tick The Lone Star tick is a known carrier of several diseases, including:
- Ehrlichiosis: Ehrlichiosis is a bacterial infection that can cause flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and muscle aches. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory failure, seizures, and organ failure.
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a bacterial infection that can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, and a rash. In severe cases, it can lead to organ failure and death.
- Tularemia: Tularemia is a bacterial infection that can cause fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia and organ failure.
- Heartland virus: The Heartland virus is a virus that can cause fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches. In severe cases, it can lead to organ failure and death.
Allergic Reactions to the Lone Star Tick Bite In addition to carrying diseases, the Lone Star tick can also cause allergic reactions in some people. The tick’s saliva contains a sugar molecule called alpha-gal, which some people can develop an allergy to after being bitten by the tick. The allergy can cause a range of symptoms, including hives, itching, swelling, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Lonestar Tick

Adult lonestar ticks have a dark brown to reddish-brown body, which can measure up to 1/4 inch in length. The male ticks have white markings on their back legs, while the females have the notable white spot. The tick’s mouthparts are long and spear-shaped, which allow it to easily pierce and feed on its host’s skin.
Lonestar ticks are known carriers of a variety of diseases, including southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI), ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. They can also cause a condition called alpha-gal allergy, which is an allergic reaction to a sugar molecule found in red meat.
To prevent being bitten by a lonestar tick, it’s important to wear long-sleeved clothing and pants when spending time outdoors, and to use insect repellent containing Cedar-wood oil. It’s also important to check for ticks after spending time in areas where ticks are prevalent, and to promptly remove any ticks found to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
Prevention and Control of the Lone Star Tick in New Jersey
Prevention is the best approach when it comes to the Lone Star tick. Here are some safe and effective all-natural ways to prevent and control the spread of the tick in New Jersey:
- Wear Protective Clothing: When going outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes. Tuck your pants into your socks or boots, and wear light-colored clothing to make it easier to spot any ticks that may be on you.
- Use Tick Repellents: Apply an all-natural tick repellent to your skin and clothing. Some effective all-natural tick repellents include essential oils such as citronella, eucalyptus, and lavender.
- Conduct Regular Tick Checks: After spending time outdoors, conduct a thorough tick check on yourself, your family members, and your pets. Pay close attention to areas of the body where ticks like to hide, such as the hairline, behind the ears, and under the arms.
- Keep Your Yard Tidy: Ticks like to hide in tall grass, shrubs, and leaf litter. Keep your yard tidy by mowing the lawn regularly and trimming back any overgrown bushes and shrubs.
- Use Natural Tick Control Products: There are several all-natural tick control products available that are safe for use around pets and children. These products use natural ingredients like cedar oil, which repels ticks and other insects.
- Remove Ticks Safely: If you do find a tick attached to your skin, remove it as soon as possible using a pair of fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick, as this can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin.
Conclusion
The Lone Star tick is a serious threat to human and animal health, and its spread to New Jersey is cause for concern. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to preventing and controlling the spread of the tick, there are several safe and effective all-natural ways to reduce the risk of tick bites and protect yourself and your family. By taking the necessary precautions and being vigilant about tick checks, we can all help to keep ourselves and our communities safe from the Lone Star tick.