Ticks in Florida

Ticks are small, blood-feeding arachnids, related to spiders and mites, and in Florida’s warm climate they stay active nearly year-round. Most ticks homeowners find are hard ticks (family Ixodidae). In Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, they wait in tall grass, brush and shaded yard edges, then grab onto pets and people walking by.

Common ticks in the Tampa Bay area

• Lone star tick: the most common human-biting tick in Florida; females have a single white spot on the back. It can spread ehrlichiosis and STARI, and its bite is linked to alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy to red meat.
• American dog tick: found on dogs but also bites people; the main carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever in Florida.
• Brown dog tick: prefers dogs and can complete its whole life cycle indoors.
• Blacklegged (deer) tick: can carry Lyme disease, though Lyme is far less common in Florida than in the Northeast and cases cluster in north Florida.

Signs of a tick problem

• Ticks on pets after outdoor time, especially around ears, paws and neck
• Tall grass, brush or wooded edges bordering the yard
• Frequent wildlife visitors such as deer, raccoons, opossums or stray cats
• Ticks found indoors, which may point to brown dog ticks

How to prevent ticks around your home

1. Keep grass mowed and clear leaf litter, brush piles and overgrowth.
2. Put a dry, sunny buffer of wood chips or gravel between lawn and woods.
3. Keep pets on a vet-recommended tick preventive year-round.
4. Check yourself, kids and pets after time in grass or woods.
5. Discourage wildlife that carries ticks into the yard.

How DNR helps

Our technicians treat yard perimeters, shaded harborage areas and other tick-prone zones to knock down existing populations, then set up an ongoing plan so ticks don’t come back. Call 727-594-0404 or book a free consult.

Related pest spotlights: Fleas, Rodents and Mosquitoes.

FAQ

Are ticks active year-round in Florida? Yes. Activity peaks for lone star and American dog ticks in spring and summer, while blacklegged ticks are more active in cooler months.

Can ticks live inside my home? The brown dog tick can complete its life cycle indoors, especially in homes with dogs. Most other ticks are carried in on pets or clothing.

How quickly can a tick spread disease? Risk generally rises the longer a tick stays attached, so check for ticks and remove them promptly.

Are tick treatments safe for pets and kids? DNR uses treatments designed for homes with families and pets. Ask your technician about timing for your treatment.

Sources: UF/IFAS Extension, Ticks and Disease in Florida; UF Emerging Pathogens Institute, Tick-borne disease risks in Florida. Reviewed by Ricky Williams, Certified Operator in Charge.