Lone star tick

Lone star ticks are reddish-brown, and adult females have a distinctive white dot or 'lone star' on their backs. They are aggressive biters and can be found in wooded areas and tall grasses. Adults are about 1/4 inch long before feeding, but swell considerably after a blood meal.

Finding ticks crawling on clothing or pets after spending time outdoors is a primary sign. Frequent tick bites, especially after walking in grassy or wooded areas near your Myrtle Beach home, indicate a local population. Inspect your pets regularly for ticks, paying close attention to areas around the ears, neck, and between the toes.

MBPC offers targeted tick control treatments for your Grand Strand property, focusing on areas where ticks are likely to harbor, such as wooded edges and tall grass. Our licensed technicians use EPA-approved insecticides applied according to SC Department of Pesticide Regulation guidelines to reduce tick populations. We can also advise on landscape modifications to minimize tick habitat.

Wear long sleeves and pants when venturing into wooded areas near Myrtle Beach. Use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin. Perform regular tick checks on yourself, your children, and your pets after spending time outdoors, especially after visiting local parks and trails.

Lone star ticks thrive in the humid subtropical climate and wooded areas of coastal South Carolina. They are commonly found in forests, grasslands, and along the edges of wooded areas, especially near deer trails. In Myrtle Beach, they are prevalent in areas with dense vegetation and high humidity, including yards backing up to wooded areas or salt marshes.

Peak activity: Spring-Fall