My Afternoon Was Changed by This Bite, and I Discovered Something About Lone Star Ticks
It started like any typical Saturday: the sun was shining, my lawn was misbehaving, and my dog Mochi had settled into his usual spot under the old oak tree, observing without any desire to help.
I was perspiring, a bit annoyed, and entirely unready for the disruption that was about to enter my life.
The Moment Everything Changed
I began to feel itchy while I was wrestling with the mower. Nothing serious, just a mild prickling on my ankle. Yet, something felt off. Instead of spotting an insect or a blade of grass when I glanced down, I noticed a tiny speck with legs. It was black, small, and far too confident for its size.
I froze after bending down and brushing it away. A white spot. Right in the center of its back.
There it was: a lone star tick. My afternoon instantly transformed into a complete biohazard situation.
