Ticks are present throughout Florida and can be a concern for residents and visitors alike. These small arachnids, external parasites that feed on blood, thrive in the state’s warm, humid climate, making them active year-round. Understanding their presence is important for anyone spending time outdoors in Florida to prepare for potential encounters and mitigate risks.
Common Tick Species and Their Habitats
Several tick species are common in Florida, each with distinct characteristics and preferred environments.
The Lone Star Tick, identifiable by a white spot on the back of adult females, is considered the most frequent human-biting tick in the state. These ticks prefer wooded areas with thick underbrush and are active from February to October, with a peak in July for adults.
The American Dog Tick, also known as the wood tick, is brown with white markings and is found in grassy areas, wooded areas, and along pathways. Adults are most abundant from March through September. It attaches to humans and other mammals, including dogs.
The Blacklegged Tick, commonly called the deer tick, is a smaller, dark reddish-brown species found in shaded areas with leaf litter and dense vegetation. Adults are active from September through May, while nymphs are present from April through August.
Another species, the Brown Dog Tick, can complete its entire life cycle indoors, making it a common inhabitant of homes with pets. While primarily feeding on dogs, it can occasionally bite humans. Gulf Coast Ticks, prevalent in southeastern states, resemble American Dog Ticks but have larger mouthparts and are found on the ears of large mammals.
Diseases Carried by Florida Ticks
Ticks in Florida can transmit several diseases that impact human health.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a serious illness caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, transmitted by the American Dog Tick in Florida. Symptoms appear 2 to 14 days after a bite and include fever, headache, vomiting, and muscle aches, with a rash that may appear 2-5 days later. The disease can be severe if untreated.
Ehrlichiosis is another tick-borne disease, spread by the Lone Star Tick in Florida. Caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis, symptoms begin 5 to 10 days post-bite and include fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. A rash can occur, especially in children, but is less common in adults. Florida reports approximately 15-25 cases annually from exposures within the state.
Anaplasmosis, caused by Anaplasma phagocytophilum, is transmitted by the Blacklegged Tick. Similar to ehrlichiosis, this disease presents with fever, headache, chills, and muscle aches. Both ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis can lead to severe illness requiring hospitalization.
Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI) is a Lyme-like illness transmitted by the Lone Star Tick. STARI is characterized by a “bull’s-eye” rash that appears around seven days after a bite, along with fatigue, fever, headaches, and muscle and joint pain. Unlike Lyme disease, STARI is not associated with chronic symptoms such as arthritis or neurological issues.
Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted by the Blacklegged Tick. While less common in Florida compared to northeastern states, about 15-20 cases are reported annually from exposures within the state. Symptoms include a bull’s-eye rash appearing 3 to 30 days after a bite, fever, chills, headache, and fatigue. Untreated Lyme disease can lead to complications affecting joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
Preventing Tick Bites and Managing Exposure
Preventing tick bites involves several practical steps, especially when spending time in outdoor areas.
Wearing appropriate clothing is an effective defense; long sleeves and pants minimize exposed skin, and tucking pants into socks or boots creates a barrier. Light-colored clothing also makes it easier to spot ticks crawling on fabric.
Using EPA-registered insect repellents containing active ingredients like DEET or picaridin on exposed skin deters ticks. Permethrin, a tick repellent, can be applied to clothing and gear, offering protection that lasts for weeks even after washing. Always follow product instructions carefully.
After spending time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas, thorough tick checks are important. Inspect all parts of the body, including under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and in the hair. Shower within two hours of coming indoors to wash away unattached ticks.
If a tick is found attached to the skin, prompt removal is important to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or crushing the tick, as this can leave mouthparts embedded in the skin. After removal, clean the bite area and hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
Maintaining yards can reduce tick populations around homes. This includes keeping grass trimmed short, removing leaf litter, and clearing brush along pathways and frequented areas. Creating a physical barrier, such as wood chips or gravel, between lawns and wooded areas helps. If symptoms such as a spreading rash, fever, or flu-like illness develop within several weeks after a tick bite, seeking medical attention is advised.