Preventing Future Tick Terrors

• Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks outdoors.
• Use repellents with DEET, permethrin, or picaridin.
• Check yourself, kids, and pets after being outside.
• Keep your lawn trimmed, clear brush, and add barriers like gravel.
• Consider yard treatments if ticks are common in your area.

Final Thoughts (and a Bit of Sympathy)

A lone star tick bite feels disgusting and frightening, but you can handle it. Act fast, monitor your health, and take preventive steps. If I managed it—panic, screams, and all—you can too.