LoneStarMapMissouri • High Awareness
Lone Star Ticks in Missouri: Map, Season, Alpha-Gal Awareness & Prevention
Missouri has a long-documented Lone Star tick presence and ranks among the highest reported alpha-gal awareness states.
Last reviewed: June 2, 2026 · Educational only — not medical advice.
Risk snapshot
Missouri
Missouri has a long-documented Lone Star tick presence and ranks among the highest reported alpha-gal awareness states.
Peak season
April – October
Common habitats
Who should be extra aware
County awareness
- Greene County (Springfield area)High Awareness
Ozark woodlands.
- Taney CountyEstablished
- Phelps CountyEstablished
- St. Louis CountyEstablished
County awareness levels are educational estimates, not surveillance data. Tick presence varies within every county.
Are Lone Star ticks found in Missouri?
Missouri is within the broader Lone Star tick range. Awareness levels vary by county, and activity is typically highest during april – october. CDC data place Missouri among the highest suspected-AGS prevalence states, especially the Ozarks. Hunters and hikers should take precautions and check for ticks.
When is tick season in Missouri?
Peak Lone Star tick activity in Missouri is typically April – October. Plan extra prevention during these months — repellent, permethrin-treated clothing, and daily tick checks for kids and pets. In warmer regions, ticks can be active longer.
Can tick bites in Missouri be linked to alpha-gal syndrome?
A Lone Star tick bite has been associated with alpha-gal syndrome — a delayed allergy to mammalian meat — in some individuals. Not every bite causes it, and only a licensed clinician can diagnose it. Learn the symptoms or read the alpha-gal guide.
What to do if you find a tick after being outside in Missouri
Remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers, clean the area, save a photo, and note the date and location. Watch for symptoms over the following weeks and contact a licensed medical professional if a rash, fever, fatigue, or food reaction develops.
Prevention checklist for Missouri
- Use EPA-registered repellent (DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus)
- Treat clothing and gear with permethrin
- Wear long sleeves and tuck pants into socks in brushy areas
- Stay on cleared trails and avoid tall grass and leaf litter
- Shower within two hours of coming indoors
- Do daily tick checks on people and pets during the season
Free: The Missouri tick & alpha-gal survival guide
A plain-English PDF you can save on your phone before you head outside in Missouri. One bite can change what you eat for life — know before you go.
- Lone Star vs. deer tick ID chart (with photos)
- The exact tick-removal steps most people get wrong
- Alpha-gal red flags to watch for after a bite
Sources & local resources for Missouri
- Where Ticks LiveCDC
The Lone Star tick is widely distributed in the Northeast, South, and Midwest U.S.
- Lone Star Tick SurveillanceCDC
County-level established vs. reported records. 'Established' = 6+ ticks or multiple life stages collected in 12 months.
- Alpha-gal SyndromeCDC
What alpha-gal syndrome is, symptoms, and its association with tick bites.
- Geographic Distribution of Suspected Alpha-gal Syndrome Cases — U.S., 2017–2022 (MMWR)CDC / MMWR
Highest suspected-AGS prevalence across a contiguous southern, midwestern, and mid-Atlantic region; most cases align with the established Lone Star tick range.
- Current and Future Distribution of the Lone Star Tick in North AmericaRaghavan et al., PLOS ONE (2019)
Ecological niche modeling of Amblyomma americanum range and projected northward expansion.
- Find the Repellent That Is Right for YouEPA
Search tool for EPA-registered repellents (DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus).
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Lone Star tick awareness in Missouri
Peak season: April – October
Missouri tick & alpha-gal FAQ
The questions Missouri residents search for most.
Are Lone Star ticks in Missouri?+
Yes — Missouri is within or near the broader Lone Star tick range. Reports vary by county, and activity is generally highest during april – october.
When is tick season in Missouri?+
Peak Lone Star tick activity in Missouri is typically April – October. In warmer parts of the state, ticks can be active longer into the year.
Can I get alpha-gal syndrome from a tick bite in Missouri?+
Alpha-gal syndrome has been associated with Lone Star tick bites in regions of Missouri. Not every bite causes AGS. If you develop hives, swelling, stomach pain, or other reactions 2–6 hours after eating mammalian meat, talk to a licensed medical professional.
How do I report or identify a tick I found in Missouri?+
Save the tick in a sealed bag with a moist paper towel, take a clear photo, and contact your state health department or a university extension program. Some accept ticks for identification or testing.
What should I do after a tick bite in Missouri?+
Remove the tick with fine-tipped tweezers, clean the area, save a photo, and note the date and location. Watch for symptoms over the following weeks and contact a medical professional if a rash, fever, fatigue, or food reaction develops.
Lone Star tick risk by county in Missouri
115 counties — local risk, peak season, prevention, and live community reports for each.