Tick season is here! This is everything you need to know to protect you and your family from ticks! 

Florida ticks are more than just a nuisance, they can transmit serious diseases to both people and pets. With Florida tick season peaking in warm, humid months, it’s crucial to understand how to identify, avoid, and eliminate these tiny threats. This guide covers the most common ticks, where they hide, and how to protect your yard and loved ones year-round.

Table of Contents

1. When Is Tick Season in Florida?
2. Common Ticks Found in Florida
3. Where Ticks Hide in Your Yard
4. How to Prevent Tick Bites at Home
5. What to Do If You Find a Tick
6. Professional Tick Control Services in Florida
7. FAQ
8. Conclusion

When Is Tick Season in Florida?

Florida tick season typically runs from spring through late fall, but ticks can be active year-round due to the state’s warm climate. Peak activity occurs during humid months, especially March to October, when ticks thrive in overgrown vegetation and shady, moist environments.

Because ticks don’t die off in Florida’s mild winters, year-round awareness and prevention are key.

Common Ticks Found in Florida

Several tick species live throughout Florida, each with unique behaviors and health risks.

1. Lone Star Tick

• Recognizable by a white dot on the female’s back
• Aggressive biters that target humans and animals
• Can transmit ehrlichiosis and Southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI)

2. American Dog Tick

• Brown with white markings
• Found in grassy areas and along walkways
• Known to transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever

3. Blacklegged Tick (Deer Tick)

• Dark reddish-brown and small
• The Primary carrier of Lyme disease and anaplasmosis
• Prefers shaded areas with leaf litter and dense vegetation

4. Brown Dog Tick

• Common indoors and in kennels
• Often targets dogs, but can bite humans
• Can infest homes if not properly treated

Where Ticks Hide in Your Yard

Ticks don’t fly or jump, they wait for a host to brush against them. In Florida, ticks often hide in:

• Overgrown grass and weeds
• Shaded mulch beds
• Leaf litter and fallen branches
• Woodpiles or compost piles
• Dog runs, pet bedding, or kennel areas
• Undisturbed corners of lawns and fence lines

Shaded, humid areas provide ideal conditions for ticks to breed and wait for their next host.

How to Prevent Tick Bites at Home

You can reduce your risk of tick exposure by following these proven prevention tips:

Landscaping Tips

• Mow regularly and trim back overgrown vegetation
• Remove leaf litter and fallen branches
• Create dry barriers (like gravel or mulch) between woods and lawn
• Stack firewood neatly in a dry, sunny location
• Install fencing to keep deer and wildlife out

Personal Protection

• Wear light-colored clothing to spot ticks more easily
• Use EPA-approved insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin
• Check yourself, children, and pets thoroughly after spending time outdoors
• Shower within two hours of being outside to wash away unattached ticks

What to Do If You Find a Tick

Prompt and proper removal is essential to reduce the risk of disease:

1. Grasp the tick with fine-tipped tweezers. Try to grasp the tick as close to your skin as you can. 
2. Pull upward steadily. Try not to twist the tick. 
3. Clean the bite area and hands with soap and water
4. Dispose of the tick in alcohol or flush it down the toilet
5. Monitor the bite site for several days for signs of infection or rash

If you suspect a tick-borne illness, seek medical attention promptly.

Professional Tick Control Services in Florida

DIY prevention is important, but it doesn’t replace the effectiveness of professional treatment. At ProHealth Pest Control, we offer:

• Thorough yard inspections to identify high-risk areas
• Targeted barrier treatments to kill ticks where they hide
• Pet-safe and eco-conscious options for families with children or animals
• Ongoing maintenance plans to keep your yard tick-free through every season

We understand the specific behaviors of Florida ticks and tailor every treatment to your yard and lifestyle.

FAQ

Are ticks active all year in Florida?

Yes, ticks can be active year-round due to Florida’s warm climate, but they peak from spring through fall.

Can ticks live inside my house?

Yes, especially the brown dog tick, which can survive indoors and infest pet areas.

What diseases do ticks carry?

Ticks in Florida can transmit Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, STARI, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

Do ticks fall from trees?

No. Ticks climb up from low vegetation and attach to hosts that brush against them.

How often should I treat my yard for ticks?

In most areas, seasonal or quarterly treatments are recommended. For high-risk properties, monthly service may be more effective.

Contact ProHealth Pest Control to Rid Your Florida Property of Ticks

Florida tick season is here, but with the right knowledge and protection, your home and family can stay safe. Regular yard maintenance, personal protection, and professional pest control work together to reduce your risk of bites and tick-borne illnesses.

At ProHealth Pest Control, we take tick control seriously because your safety and peace of mind matter.

Contact us today to schedule a tick inspection or learn more about our year-round pest protection programs.