Ticks in Florida: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe and Healthy
On our recent trip to Silver Springs State Park, after hiking one of the many beautiful trails, we found several ticks on Dennis and the dogs. This is the first time we experienced this and it was very alarming. We immediately washed the dogs in tick and flea shampoo and made sure we could not find any further evidence of ticks on ourselves. We bundled the clothes in a bag and washed those as soon as we got home. Spring and summer seems to be the time that the ticks start to emerge in Florida. With that, I thought I would post a little about the ticks and the prevention needed so that you do not have the same type of encounter that we had on this trip.
Ticks are small, parasitic arachnids that pose a significant threat to human and animal health. In the state of Florida, ticks are particularly prevalent due to its warm and humid climate, making it an ideal habitat for these blood-sucking pests.
There are several species of ticks commonly found in Florida, including the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis), and the Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum). These ticks thrive in different environments and habitats, ranging from grassy areas to wooded regions. Understanding their characteristics and behaviors is essential for effective prevention and control.
The Five Most Common Ticks Found in Florida
- Common Name: Lone Star Tick
- Species Name: Amblyomma americanum
- Species Name: Amblyomma americanum
- Seasonal Abundance: Larvae: June-November Nymphs: February-October Adults: April-August (peak in July)
- Primary Hosts: Larvae and Nymphs: Small mammals and birds, do not feed on rodents
- Adults: Deer, cattle, and humans
- Associated Diseases: Ehrlichiosis/Anaplasmosis, STARI
- Common Name: Blacklegged Tick
- Species Name: Ixodes scapularis
- Seasonal Abundance: April-August: Larvae and Nymphs September-May: Adults
- Primary Hosts: Larvae and Nymphs: Reptiles (skinks and snakes), birds, and some rodents
- Adults: Larger animals including cattle and humans
- Associated Diseases: Lyme Disease, Babesiosis
- Common Name: Gulf Coast Tick
- Species Name: Amblyomma maculatum
- Seasonal Abundance: Nymphs: February-August Adults: March-November
- Primary Hosts: Larvae and Nymphs: Small rodents and ground dwelling birds
- Adults: Large variety of mammals and humans (primarily ears of large mammals)
- Associated Diseases: Rickettsia parkeri
- Common Name: American Dog Tick
- Species Name: Dermacentor variabilis
- Seasonal Abundance: Larvae: July-February Nymphs: January-March Adults: March-September
- Primary Hosts: Larvae and Nymphs: Almost exclusively small rodents, particularly mice and cotton rats
- Adults: Large variety of mammals and humans
- Associated Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Common Name: Argasid Tick (Soft Tick)
- Family: Argasidae
- Life Cycle: Adult females can feed and lay eggs several times during their lifetime. Soft tick species may also undergo more than one nymphal molt before reaching the adult stage.
- Habitat: Animal shelters or burrows, caves, poor-quality human dwellings
- Associated Diseases: Ehrlichiosis/Anaplasmosis, STARI
Ticks are known vectors of various diseases that can have severe consequences for human health. In Florida, one of the most prevalent diseases transmitted by ticks is Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi (Lyme Diease) carried by the Blacklegged Tick. Lyme disease can lead to flu-like symptoms, joint pain, fatigue, and even neurological complications if left untreated. Another dangerous tick-borne illness found in Florida is Rocky Mountain spotted fever, caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii and is carried by the American Dog Tick. This disease can result in fever, headache, rash, and can be fatal if not promptly treated.
Preventing tick bites is crucial for avoiding the associated health risks. Here are some effective prevention measures:
- Wear protective clothing: When venturing into tick-infested areas, wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Tucking pants into socks and wearing light-colored clothing can help detect ticks easily.
- Use insect repellents: Apply EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 to exposed skin and clothing. Follow the instructions carefully.
- Perform tick checks: After spending time outdoors, thoroughly check your body and clothes for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as the scalp, armpits, groin, and behind the ears.
- Create a tick-safe environment: Keep lawns well-maintained, remove leaf litter, and create a barrier between wooded areas and yards using gravel or wood chips.
Ticks in Florida pose a significant threat due to their ability to transmit various diseases. Understanding the dangers they present and implementing effective prevention measures is essential for safeguarding human and animal health. By taking proactive steps, we can minimize the risk of tick bites and protect ourselves from the potential consequences of tick-borne diseases.
Hopefully, this has been informative and everyone can be a little more warry about hiking on Florida trails. For more information you can visit University of Florida, IFSA Extension
