Florida’s warm, humid climate and diverse ecosystems create an ideal environment for various tick species to thrive year-round. While ticks are active throughout the year, their activity often peaks during warmer, more humid months.
Common Tick Species in Florida
Several tick species commonly inhabit Florida’s landscapes. The Lone Star tick, Amblyomma americanum, is frequently encountered by humans. Females have a distinctive white or silvery spot on their backs, while males have scattered white markings.
The American dog tick, Dermacentor variabilis, is typically reddish-brown with mottled white or gray markings. The blacklegged tick, Ixodes scapularis, also known as the deer tick, is smaller and darker with dark legs.
The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, can readily infest homes and kennels. These ticks are reddish-brown and lack distinctive markings. While they primarily feed on dogs, they can also bite humans.
Where Ticks Are Found and Risks They Pose
Ticks in Florida are found in various habitats, including wooded areas, tall grasses, brush, and leaf litter. They do not fly or jump; instead, they wait on vegetation for a host to brush against them. Their activity often peaks from March to October, when humidity and temperatures are higher.
Different tick species can transmit various diseases. The Lone Star tick transmits Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI), ehrlichiosis, and tularemia. Bites from this tick can also lead to Alpha-gal syndrome, which causes an allergy to red meat.
The American dog tick can transmit Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and tularemia. The blacklegged tick is a vector for Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and babesiosis, though Lyme cases in Florida are less common. The brown dog tick, while primarily affecting dogs, is a vector for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and can also transmit canine ehrlichiosis and babesiosis.
Protecting Yourself from Tick Bites
To minimize tick bites, use EPA-registered insect repellents containing active ingredients like DEET or picaridin on exposed skin. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants tucked into socks or boots creates a physical barrier. Choosing light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.
Stay on marked trails in wooded or grassy areas to avoid denser tick habitats. After spending time outdoors, perform thorough tick checks on yourself, children, and pets. Focus on areas like hair, ears, scalp, armpits, groin, behind the knees, and inside the belly button, as ticks often hide in these warm places.
If a tick is found attached, prompt removal is essential. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull steadily upward without twisting or jerking, as this can cause mouthparts to break off.
After removal, clean the bite area and your hands thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Monitor the bite site for several weeks for any signs of rash, fever, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms, and seek medical attention if these develop.