05/30/2026
How to prevent tick bites and Alpha-Gal Syndrome:
Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) is a serious allergy that can develop after a bite from the lone star tick. This tick is common across Missouri, and a single bite can trigger a delayed allergy to red meat and other mammal products. The best protection is preventing tick bites.
Use EPA-approved repellents such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or permethrin on clothing.
Treat clothing with permethrin to stop ticks before they reach your skin.
Wear long sleeves and long pants, and tuck pants into socks. Light-colored clothing makes ticks easier to spot.
Stay on established trails and avoid tall grass, brush, and leaf litter.
Do a full-body tick check after being outdoors, including hairline, behind ears, armpits, waistband, groin, behind knees, and between toes.
Shower within two hours of coming indoors to wash off ticks before they attach.
Remove ticks with fine-tipped tweezers, grabbing close to the skin and pulling straight out.
Lone star ticks are most active from April through September. Preventing bites is the strongest way to avoid AGS and other tick-borne illnesses. Stay aware and protect yourself every time you head outdoors.
Do you have any tricks to keep ticks off you and your pets?
