The Tiny Tick That’s Turning Long Island Residents Into Vegetarians Against Their Will
Imagine waking up in the middle of the night with severe abdominal pain, breaking out in hives, and struggling to breathe—all because you enjoyed a steak dinner hours earlier. For a growing number of Long Island residents, this nightmare scenario is becoming reality thanks to an unexpected culprit: the lone star tick. Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is a serious, potentially life-threatening allergy to alpha-gal that can develop after a tick bite, and in the United States, the lone star tick is most often associated with AGS.
The Alpha-Gal Connection: When Ticks Rewrite Your Diet
Alpha-gal is a molecule (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) that is naturally produced in the bodies of most mammals but not in people. It is also found in the saliva (spit) of some ticks. When a tick bites, it can transfer alpha-gal from its saliva into a person’s blood. The body’s natural defenses, or immune system, can identify alpha-gal as a threat and trigger an allergic reaction.
What makes this condition particularly insidious is its delayed onset. A typical allergic reaction to alpha-gal has a delayed onset, occurring 3–8 hours after consuming mammalian meat products. After the delayed onset, the allergic response is like most food allergies, and especially an IgE-mediated allergy, including severe whole-body itching, hives, angioedema, gastrointestinal upset, and possible anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic reactions are seen in approximately 60% of afflicted individuals.
Long Island: Ground Zero for Lone Star Tick Expansion
Long Island has become a hotspot for lone star tick encounters, with concerning implications for residents. They’re quite prevalent in coastal areas, such as along New Jersey and Long Island. Eastern Long Island in particular has seen a huge increase in the lone star tick. The lone star tick, found for decades mainly on Long Island’s East End, has been moving west into more populated Suffolk County communities, according to a county health official. “The evidence is anecdotal but we are seeing more complaints and more people coming in contact with the tick,” said Dr. Scott Campbell, the chief of Suffolk’s arthropod-borne disease lab. “We have reports all the way to western Suffolk.”
The expansion isn’t just anecdotal. Before the 1990s, the known northern limit for dense infestations in the eastern United States was New Jersey, although since the late 1980s, a relict stable population of lone star ticks has been present on Prudence Island, Rhode Island, and on Fire Island, eastern Long Island, New York. Climate change and forest management practices have enabled these aggressive ticks to establish permanent populations far from their traditional southern range.
The Growing Health Crisis
The numbers paint a sobering picture of this emerging health threat. More than 110,000 suspected cases of AGS were identified between 2010 and 2022. The actual number of AGS cases in the United States is not known, but as many as 450,000 people may be affected. On Long Island specifically, the problem is becoming increasingly visible to medical professionals. Dr. Erin McGintee, an allergy and immunology physician in private practice on Long Island, New York, said she has noted the increase in patients since she began seeing alpha-gal syndrome more than a decade ago. Since then, she has treated roughly 900 such patients. “Out here in the Hamptons,” she said, “most people know at least one other person who has the syndrome.”
At least 42% of 1,500 doctors surveyed had never heard of alpha-gal syndrome, a tick-borne illness that can cause potentially life-threatening allergy to red meat. This lack of awareness among healthcare providers means many cases likely go undiagnosed, making the true scope of the problem even larger than current estimates suggest.
Beyond Red Meat: The Full Impact of Alpha-Gal Syndrome
While red meat allergies grab headlines, alpha-gal syndrome’s effects extend beyond steaks and burgers. Most healthcare providers recommend patients with AGS stop eating: Red meat such as beef, pork, lamb, venison, or rabbit · Dairy products, if a person is not able to tolerate dairy Some patients must also avoid certain medications and personal care products containing mammalian-derived ingredients.
The good news is that the condition isn’t necessarily permanent. Unfortunately there isn’t a cure, but the allergy does appear to wane over time, lasting anywhere from one to five years. However, additional tick bites can reset the clock, making prevention crucial for those already affected.
Professional Protection: Your First Line of Defense
Given the serious nature of alpha-gal syndrome and the expanding presence of lone star ticks on Long Island, professional pest control has become more important than ever. The best way to protect yourself and your family from developing AGS is to prevent tick bites. The best way to protect yourself and your family from AGS is to prevent tick bites.
Jones Tree and Plant Care, a Suffolk County-based company owned and operated by certified arborist Thomas Jones, understands the unique challenges Long Island residents face. Jones Tree is owned and operated by Thomas Jones – New York State Board Certified Arborist, and member of the Long Island Arborist Association. As a licensed arborist, Jones is committed to providing scientifically based landscape management and delivering quality services. Their comprehensive tick spraying service uses organic, environmentally-sensitive treatments that effectively target tick populations while protecting your family and pets.
Using natural ingredients derived from plant extracts and essential oils, we effectively repel ticks and mosquitoes while minimizing harm to the environment, humans, and pets. Our organic spraying solutions are non-toxic and biodegradable, making them ideal for environmentally conscious homeowners. Say goodbye to harmful chemicals and hello to a pest-free outdoor space with our organic tick and mosquito spraying services.
Taking Action: Protecting Your Long Island Property
Professional tick control services offer several advantages over DIY approaches. At Jones Tree and Plant Care, we use an integrated pest management approach to identify the source of the infestation and create a pest control plan that meets your needs and budget. Our team of professionals will work with you to develop a comprehensive pest control plan that targets the specific pests that are causing problems in your yard.
Our certified arborist will conduct a thorough home inspection to identify areas where ticks and mosquitos are likely to breed and rest. We will then use our effective tick & mosquito spraying techniques to eliminate any current populations of ticks and mosquitos and prevent them from returning.
The investment in professional tick control extends beyond immediate comfort—it’s about protecting your long-term health and quality of life. An investment in professional organic mosquito and tick control for your Long Island yard is an investment in your health and overall well-being, as well as the health and well-being of your loved ones. Knowing that there will be much less risk of being “eaten alive” by those flying insects or bitten by those blood-thirsty parasites and contracting the diseases that they can potentially cause will certainly give you peace of mind.
As Long Island continues to grapple with the expanding range of lone star ticks and the growing threat of alpha-gal syndrome, professional pest control services have evolved from luxury to necessity. The choice between enjoying a backyard barbecue and risking a life-threatening allergic reaction shouldn’t be one any homeowner has to make. With proper professional protection, Long Island residents can reclaim their outdoor spaces while safeguarding their health against this tiny but formidable threat.