Ticks are common in Florida, posing a concern for residents and visitors engaging in outdoor activities. The state’s warm, humid climate and diverse ecosystems provide an ideal environment for various tick species to thrive. Understanding their presence and associated risks is important for minimizing exposure and maintaining health.
Tick Presence Across Florida
Florida’s warm, humid climate creates a favorable habitat for ticks. These arachnids thrive in environments with ample vegetation and host animals. Ticks are not confined to remote wilderness areas; they can be found in various outdoor settings across the state.
Ticks are commonly encountered in wooded areas, tall grasses, dense shrubbery, and even suburban yards and parks. Wildlife, such as deer, rodents, and birds, serve as hosts, contributing to tick populations. Florida’s diverse natural landscapes, including forests, wetlands, and coastal regions, offer abundant opportunities for ticks to find hosts.
Key Tick Species in Florida
Several tick species are prevalent in Florida. The Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum) is a common human-biting tick in the state. Adult females are identified by a single white or silvery spot on their reddish-brown back, while males have scattered white or silver streaks on their brown or black bodies.
The American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), also known as the wood tick, is found throughout Florida. These ticks are reddish-brown with white-gray markings on their backs.
Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), or deer ticks, are present in Florida, particularly in humid, deciduous forests. These ticks are small and dark brown to black.
The Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum) is also found in Florida. They are reddish-brown with silvery markings on their backs and prefer coastal areas and grasslands. Brown dog ticks (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) are primarily found in and around homes and kennels, though they can also be found outdoors.
Associated Health Concerns
Ticks in Florida can transmit various pathogens, leading to health concerns. Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a bacterial disease primarily carried by the American dog tick in Florida. Symptoms, typically appearing 2 to 14 days after a bite, include fever, headache, muscle pain, and a spreading rash.
Ehrlichiosis is transmitted by ticks, with the Lone Star tick being a primary vector in Florida. Symptoms, generally beginning 5 to 14 days after a bite, include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. A rash may occur, especially in children, but is not always present.
Anaplasmosis is spread by the blacklegged tick. Initial symptoms, often flu-like, include fever, chills, headache, and muscle pain, typically appearing within 1 to 14 days of a bite. A rash may also occur.
Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted by the blacklegged tick. Though more prevalent in northern states, Florida reports cases annually. A characteristic “bull’s-eye” rash (erythema migrans) develops in many cases, appearing 3 to 30 days after a bite. Other symptoms include fever, headache, chills, and fatigue.
Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI) is a Lyme-like disease transmitted by the Lone Star tick, causing an expanding “bull’s-eye” rash, fatigue, fever, headache, and muscle and joint pain. Tularemia, caused by Francisella tularensis, can be transmitted by the Lone Star tick and American dog tick. Symptoms vary but may include fever, skin ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes. Bourbon virus, an emerging tick-borne virus, has been identified in Lone Star ticks and reported in some southern states, with symptoms like fever, fatigue, headache, and rash.
Minimizing Exposure and Managing Bites
Taking preventive measures reduces the risk of tick bites. When outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. Tucking pant legs into socks creates a barrier against ticks. Light-colored clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.
Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin and clothing to deter ticks. Permethrin-treated clothing and gear offer additional protection but should not be applied directly to skin. After outdoor activities, conduct thorough tick checks on yourself, children, and pets. Pay close attention to areas like the hairline, ears, armpits, groin, and behind the knees.
If a tick is found attached, prompt and proper removal is important. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with a steady, even pressure, avoiding twisting or jerking, which could leave mouthparts embedded. After removal, clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.
Monitor the bite site and your health for several weeks following a tick bite. Seek medical attention if a rash, fever, or any unexplained illness develops after a tick bite. Early diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne diseases can prevent severe complications.