Tick Identification Chart in Ocala, FL; Brown Dog, American Dog, Lone Star, Gulf Coast & Lyme Disease Transmitting Deer Ticks

There is no one ‘tick season’ in Florida. Ticks are found throughout the whole year! A season for pests implies a start and finish for their activity, and therefore a time frame where you’ll be safe from any problems caused by them. With ticks, the different seasons will only determine the number of nymphs and adults present.

Types of Ticks Found in Florida; Brown Dog & American Dog, Lone Star & Gulf Coast Tick

Brown Dog Tick. This tick will feed on dogs for the most part and will be found in the areas that dogs spend time. The brown dog tick can be carriers of Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) in the southwest US and along the border of Mexico.
American Dog Tick. This tick is primarily found on dogs, but will attach themselves to other mammals and people too. American dog ticks are different than brown ticks as they spend most of their time outside and aren’t considered household pests. They also carry RMSF and the nymphs will feed on rodents with adults feeding on humans. March through September is when populations of these ticks are high. These ticks can be responsible for causing paralysis in dogs and children if they attach themselves to the base of the skull or the spinal column. These effects can be reversed within 24 hours of the tick being removed.
Lone Star Tick. This tick is the most common one found in Florida that bites humans and are easy to identify. The female has a light-colored dot on its back. These ticks are carriers of ehrlichiosis and southern tick-associated rash illness (STRAI). Nymphs are abundant between February and October and adults April through August, peaking in July.
Gulf Coast tick. This tick resembles the American dog tick with larger mouthparts and is prevalent in the southeastern states. They are carriers of RMSF, but a less severe form. Early spring is the time that nymphs are in larger numbers, with March to September for the adults. They will be found on cattle or the ears of other large mammals.
Black-Legged Tick. This tick is also known as the deer tick and is mostly associated as the carrier of Lyme disease. It also carries babesiosis and human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA). Nymphs are active in April through August and adults are common throughout the winter.

Tick Prevention & Removal After Bite

In order for ticks to transmit disease, they need to feed for several hours. The best line of defense is quick identification to reduce any tick-borne disease. Ticks need to be removed very carefully. The tick needs to be grasped on its mouthpart with tweezers and pulled straight out with firm pressure. Keep the tick in a container after you remove it should you get sick. Avoid getting diseases through tick bites by removing ticks from pets and people as soon as you discover them. Clothing in tick-infested areas needs to be buttoned and tucked in with pants tucked inside boots. Wear light colored clothing so ticks are more easily seen. Repellents can be effective in keeping tickss away. Try not to touch plants in tick-infested areas and if you live in areas that are prone to ticks, you should check for ticks on a daily basis.

Tick Control

The fact that ticks are active all year round makes them a pest all year round too. Getting rid of ticks should not be a DIY project. It’s always a good idea to contact professionals regarding ticks. We have the experience to eliminate any problems you’re having with them. Call Pest 911 to keep your family safe from ticks.