I was out in the backyard a few weeks ago with my old, broken-down lawnmower when I felt a strange itch on my ankle that changed how I think about spending time in the grass forever. At first, I assumed it was just another mosquito, but when I looked down, I saw a tiny.

I was out in the backyard a few weeks ago with my old, broken-down lawnmower when I felt a strange itch on my ankle that changed how I think about spending time in the grass forever. At first, I assumed it was just another mosquito, but when I looked down, I saw a tiny black speck firmly attached to my skin, not flying away, not moving at all. I slowly pulled it off and realized it was a lone star tick, unmistakable with its single white spot⁠—my first ever encounter with a tick, and definitely not the introduction I’d hoped for. Though I can shrug off mosquito bites and even bee stings, ticks are different for me: disgusting, terrifying, and capable of causing health issues. The lone star tick felt even worse once I learned it doesn’t just wait for a host but actively seeks one out, especially in wooded or grassy areas.

When you find one on your skin, panicking doesn’t help, even if that’s your natural reaction. The key is to remove it quickly and correctly using fine-tipped tweezers, gripping as close to the skin as possible and pulling straight out without twisting, then washing the area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water and never crushing the tick with your fingers. Instead of throwing it away, keep the tick in a container or on tape, note the date and where it was attached, and watch the area and your overall health for several weeks, looking for rash, redness, fever, fatigue, or muscle aches, and call your doctor if anything seems off. To reduce future encounters, wear long sleeves, tuck pants into socks, use repellents with DEET, permethrin, or picaridin, check yourself, kids, and pets after being outside, keep grass short, clear brush, and use barriers like wood chips or gravel near wooded edges. With calm, quick action and some prevention, even a first lone star tick encounter can be handled.