5 Things to Know About Alpha-Gal Syndrome + Your Options for Kansas City Tick Control

A health condition that triggers an allergic reaction to mammal-derived products is on the rise in Kansas City and elsewhere in the United States. Mosquito Squad is here to help you arm yourself with knowledge and the tools you’ll need to fight back!

Alpha-Gal Syndrome Causes a Red Meat Allergy

Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is a potentially life-changing health condition. It causes your immune system to develop a reaction to a sugar molecule called alpha-gal, which is found in most mammals but not in humans, birds, or fish. After being bitten by the Lone Star tick, some people develop an allergy to red meats like beef, pork, and lamb. People who develop AGS may also react to other mammalian products, including gelatin, dairy, or even certain medications derived from animals. 

When experiencing an allergic reaction, those affected may exhibit symptoms like hives, swelling, digestive upset, difficulty breathing, or even anaphylaxis. These reactions often occur several hours after consuming meat, and that delay has made it difficult to diagnose the condition. The most efficacious way to diagnose is with blood and skin tests; unfortunately, a lack of awareness in combination with its unusual delayed onset has caused it to go underdiagnosed.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome Is a Lifelong Condition

There’s currently no cure for AGS. Those who are diagnosed with the condition will need to avoid consuming red meat and other mammal-derived products, which can mean scrutinizing food labels, beauty products, and even medications. There is some evidence that even the scent of meat cooking can set off an allergic reaction. 

If the allergy is severe enough, those affected will need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) in case of severe allergic reactions. Although symptoms may lessen over time, many individuals must make lifelong adjustments. The best defense is prevention by avoiding tick bites altogether. Mosquito Squad’s tick control solutions can help you do just that.

Bites from Lone Star Ticks May Result in Alpha-Gal Syndrome

The Lone Star tick is named for the white spot found on the back of adult females. This species of tick is the primary vector for AGS in the United States. The tick may acquire AGS by feeding on an animal that carries alpha-gal and then transfer it to humans through saliva when it bites. Not everyone bitten will develop AGS, but the risk is significant enough to warrant widespread awareness. Lone Star ticks are aggressive biters and can be active from early spring through late fall.

Lone Star Ticks are Present in Kansas City

Though they’re historically native to the southeastern U.S., in recent years, Lone Star ticks have been expanding their range west and north. As a result, Kansas City is now well within their territory. Rising temperatures and shifting ecosystems have allowed the tick population to thrive, and confirmed AGS cases across Missouri and Kansas have grown. Kansas City residents should be particularly cautious in wooded or grassy areas where these ticks are most likely to live.

Our Kansas City Tick Control Solutions Can Help Protect You

Because there’s no vaccine or cure for AGS, your best defense against it is to avoid exposure to ticks. Mosquito Squad is here to help. We’re a provider of multiple effective tick control solutions that can help limit tick populations around your property.

For example, you can ask about our Yard Defender pest package, which helps reduce not just ticks but over 20 other common outdoor pests. It can be used in conjunction with our Barrier Treatment Plus, our proprietary natural formula crafted from essential oils that are known to deter pests.

Searching for pest control near me?

For dependable outdoor pest control near you, call on the professionals at Mosquito Squad. Call (913) 586-2390 or contact us online for a complimentary Kansas City pest control assessment and quote.

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