Ticks are a year-round concern in Florida, but their activity peaks during the warmer months of spring and summer. With the state's humid climate and abundant wildlife, ticks thrive in various environments, posing risks to both humans and pets. Understanding their seasonal behavior, the diseases they carry, and the best prevention methods is key to staying safe.
When Is Florida’s Tick Season, Answered
Unlike northern states, Florida's warm climate allows ticks to remain active all year. However, their populations surge in spring and summer due to increased reproduction cycles and favorable conditions.
Common tick species in Florida
American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis), known for transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum), which can cause alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy.
Black-legged Tick (Ixodes scapularis), the primary carrier of Lyme disease.
Gulf Coast Tick (Amblyomma maculatum), which spreads Rickettsia parkeri, a spotted fever.
Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), which thrives both indoors and outdoors, making it harder to control.
Each species poses distinct risks, and their activity varies by season and environment.
Tick-Borne Diseases in Florida
Lyme Disease: Caused by the Black-legged Tick, Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can lead to flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and neurological complications if untreated.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: This bacterial infection, transmitted by the American Dog Tick, can cause fever, rash, and severe complications like organ failure if not treated promptly.
Ehrlichiosis: Spread by the Lone Star Tick, this disease leads to flu-like symptoms, including fever, muscle aches, and nausea, and can be life-threatening if untreated.
Babesiosis: Carried by the Black-legged Tick, this disease affects red blood cells and can cause anemia, fatigue, and severe complications in those with weak immune systems.
STARI (Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness): Often linked to Lone Star Ticks, STARI presents with a rash similar to Lyme disease but is not known to cause long-term complications.
Anaplasmosis: Also carried by the Black-legged Tick, this disease causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and muscle aches and can become severe if untreated.
Alpha-gal Syndrome: Transmitted by the Lone Star Tick, this condition causes an allergy to red meat and can lead to severe allergic reactions.
Tick Prevention Strategies
Personal Protection
Wearing the right clothing can make a significant difference in preventing tick bites. Opt for light-colored, long-sleeved clothing and long pants tucked into socks to make it harder for ticks to attach.
Clothing treated with permethrin provides an additional layer of protection. When spending time in tick-prone areas, applying insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin can help keep ticks away.
Once indoors, take a shower within two hours to wash away any unattached ticks and conduct a thorough tick check on your body, especially behind the ears, under the arms, and around the waist.
Pet Safety
Dogs and cats are frequent tick carriers and can bring ticks into your home.
Checking your pets regularly—especially around the ears, underbelly, and between the toes—can help catch ticks before they attach. Using veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives such as NexGard, Simparica Trio, or Seresto collars is crucial in preventing tick infestations. Washing pet bedding frequently and keeping your pets away from overgrown areas can also reduce tick exposure.
Yard Maintenance
Keeping your yard tick-free requires consistent maintenance. Mow the lawn frequently and remove leaf litter, as these create ideal tick habitats.
Creating barriers using wood chips or gravel between grassy areas and wooded sections can help limit tick migration into high-traffic spaces. If your yard has heavy vegetation, consider using tick-safe insecticides or introducing natural predators like nematodes to help control tick populations.
Natural & Alternative Methods
Some people prefer natural tick deterrents to chemical repellents. Essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree oil, and cedar oil are commonly suggested, though their effectiveness is debated. Some homeowners use diatomaceous earth around their property to dehydrate and kill ticks naturally. Additionally, placing clothing in a freezer for at least 24 hours after outdoor activities can kill any ticks that might have attached.
Ticks on Clothing: Survival and Elimination
Ticks can survive on clothing for several days, especially if the environment is humid. While simply shaking out clothing can remove some ticks, it is not foolproof. The best way to eliminate ticks is to place clothes in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes, as heat effectively kills them. Washing clothes in hot water also helps but is not as effective as drying.
If you suspect your clothes have ticks, avoid placing them directly in a laundry hamper—store them in a sealed plastic bag until they can be treated.
Plants That Repel Ticks Naturally
Several plants can help deter ticks due to their natural repellent properties. Some of the most effective include:
Lavender: Its strong scent repels ticks while adding beauty to your landscape.
Rosemary: A hardy herb that thrives in Florida’s warm climate and helps keep ticks away.
Lemongrass: Contains natural citronella, a well-known insect deterrent.
Marigolds: These flowers release compounds that discourage ticks and other pests.
Mint: A fast-growing plant that naturally repels ticks, mosquitoes, and other insects.
In Florida, rosemary and lemongrass are particularly well-suited to the climate, thriving in the warm, sunny conditions while offering added tick protection.
Children Playing in Tick-Infested Areas
Children are at high risk of tick exposure, especially when playing in grassy, wooded, or shaded areas where ticks thrive. To reduce the risk, ensure kids wear long sleeves, long pants, and insect-repellent-treated clothing when playing outdoors.
After playtime, conduct a full-body tick check, focusing on hidden areas like behind the ears, along the hairline, and under arms. Teaching children to avoid sitting directly on grass or leaf piles and to stick to designated trails can also reduce tick encounters.
Additionally, consider treating outdoor play areas with safe tick repellents or regularly mowing and trimming vegetation to minimize tick-friendly habitats.
When to Call Professional Pest Control
If you’re dealing with persistent tick issues, Hoffer Pest Solutions offers expert tick control services. With environmentally responsible treatments and over 40 years of experience in South Florida, we help homeowners keep their families and pets safe from tick-borne threats.
Ticks are an unavoidable part of Florida’s landscape, but with the right knowledge and preventive steps, you can minimize your risk. Stay proactive, protect your loved ones, and trust Hoffer Pest Solutions to handle any tick infestations effectively. Contact us today to learn more about our tick control services and enjoy a pest-free home year-round.