Ticks & Alpha-Gal

Posted by Native Wildflowers Nursery on Jan 06, 2020

Alpha-gal Allergy, also known as the red meat allergy, is a surprisingly common issue that many people face. The alpha-gal allergy is predominantly, and some argue only, caused by ticks – specifically the lone star tick. It is caused when a tick transmits what is called the alpha-gal sugar molecule between itself and a human. In summary, when an alpha-gal sugar molecule is passed from a tick to a human, the immune system begins to react to red meat which can range in severity from mild to even dangerous.

How To Prevent It

Preventing alpha-gal allergy is something that we should all take steps to do. It is a life-changing diagnosis for anyone that can have a massive impact on your life. It will completely change how your body functions in regards to the foods you eat. There is no doubt that it is not to be taken lightly, but how exactly can you prevent it?

The key to alpha-gal allergy prevention is in the prevention of ticks in your garden or yard. These places are the frontlines of tick protection and should be considered as such. They are often the most frequently traveled and used areas around the home so when they are well kept up there is significantly less risk involved. We all love to spend time in our gardens and yards and we should be able to do so without fear of alpha-gal or ticks.

When there is a high brush or grass in a yard or garden, it is best to keep it as contained as possible. Anywhere you find either of these is a place where special consideration should be made. This is because the high brush is a prime habitat for any tick and will give them a protected area to live. The idea is to trim, upkeep, and section the space so that it doesn’t grow out of control – and therefore your tick problem doesn’t either. Doing this will prevent an out of handle breeding ground for ticks that can allow them to better spread alpha-gal.

Another option to prevent the spread of ticks through your yard or, more directly, your garden is to consider various insecticides. It is important to find the right one for you and that can mean doing some research. Find an insecticide that will be safe to interact with any wanted plants so that they can continue to thrive while ticks are kept at bay. As a healthy tip, remember to read the instructions on any insecticide before applying it to an area in your yard or garden.

If your yard or garden borders a woodland that is densely covered in foliage or similar space, then you are maybe even more likely to have a tick problem. A good idea is to lay a mulch barrier between your property and the next. It is recommended that the barrier be approximately three feet wide for optimal protection. This will deter the migration of ticks from another property to yours.

While we all typically try to keep up with our yards, it is also important to keep mowing in mind when talking about ticks and alpha-gal. A well-maintained yard will be less likely to have a tick issue in that they will not have the high grass they are attracted to. Ensuring a trimmed and mowed yard is vital to prevention because of this.

Raking leaves and debris will also be beneficial to prevent ticks. Any piles of leaves or debris can attract ticks like a magnet to your garden or yard. This will be even truer if the area is damp or moist. The best way to prevent this is to continuously rake and collect any leaves or debris from your garden or yard. Consistent upkeep is the best to have the optimal conditions for a tick-free yard.

Alpha-Gal and Your Yard

Alpha-gal allergy is an issue that can affect anyone and dramatically change their life – or at the very least their dietary habits due to its severe consequences. And keeping up with your yard or garden can be one of the biggest combatants of alpha-gal in the form of preventing ticks so that you don’t have to face it. Ultimately ticks need a place to thrive, and ensuring that your yard or garden isn’t one of them will be the best form of prevention for you and everyone around you.