Common Ticks in Florida

Ticks can transmit diseases that seriously affect one's health.

Besides being an eyesore, ticks can transmit diseases that seriously affect one's health. However, not all species are equally dangerous.

Let's review common ticks in Florida and their characteristics.

The black-legged tick

The black-legged tick also goes by the name of the deer tick. In its earlier developmental stages, this tick attaches to small- or medium-sized hosts, including lizards, birds, and mammals. As an adult, the black-legged tick usually attaches to larger mammals like dogs, humans, and deer, hence the name.

It's important to know that the black-legged tick can transmit Lyme disease. A common sign of this bacterial disease is a bullseye rash around the bite. Typical Lyme disease symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, and a characteristic skin rash. If left untreated, Lyme disease can spread to the heart, the joints, and the nervous system, potentially causing severe and permanent health issues.

Adult black-legged ticks are usually active from May to October, although this varies depending on climate changes.

American dog tick

The American dog tick is one of the largest ticks in Florida and has a characteristic appearance. They are brown and feature white markings that make them easy to recognize. As their name says, these ticks attach to dogs. However, they can also attach to other animals because they are attracted to their scent.

Unfortunately, humans aren't immune to American dog ticks.

The lone star tick

The lone star tick got its name from adult females with a golden-brown body with a characteristic white spot on the back. Their appearance isn't the only feature that differentiates them from other ticks. Namely, while other ticks feed on humans only in their adult stages, the lone star tick does so in all stages, including the larva.

This tick can transmit diseases, including ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It can be found in both wooded and open areas.

The Gulf Coast tick

Despite its misleading name, the Gulf Coast tick can also be found along the Atlantic coast. In most cases, the Gulf Coast tick attaches to deer and cattle. Fortunately, this tick isn't known to carry diseases dangerous to humans. The only illness it transmits is heartwater, a bacterial infection that affects cattle, sheep, deer, and goats.

The brown dog tick

The brown dog tick is among the most common ticks in cities such as Fort Lauderdale or Miami. This is the only type of tick in Florida classified as an indoor pest. These ticks often hide in a home, establish a population, and look for a host when old enough.

The brown dog tick can transmit diseases such as ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Professional tick control is a great solution

While some ticks are less dangerous than others, they are never welcome in and around Florida households. Homeowners should consider professional tick control to get rid of ticks and ensure their environment is safe.

Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!