Ticks in Florida love warm weather
Florida Ticks
With the weather warming up in Florida, residents are seeing an increase in fleas, ticks and lice. It’s important to know what to do if your pet is bitten and also different ways to protect yourself when walking in wooded areas. Use tick repellant on your pants and socks as well as any exposed areas of your skin before you begin your hike. Try to avoid allowing your dog to brush up against bushes during the walk where the ticks are hiding. Staying on the path is the best way to avoid tick bites.
If you do find a tick on your pet, remove it as quickly as you can. Ticks need to stay attached to an animal for several hours in order to transmit disease. To remove a tick, grab it as close to the mouth as possible with a pair of tweezers or a tick removal tool. Pull the tick straight out with firm pressure. Try not to twist the tick as you remove it or you may leave part of it’s mouth behind. Dispose of it without touching the tick with your hands. Try not to handle the tick infested area of the animal until you have sanitized it. See veterinary care if for any further questions or concerns.
Fleas are also a growing concern in the summer months in Florida. Treating your dog AND your home are important. Contact Peninsular to learn more about out flea program treats the interior of your home as well as the exterior. Watch this video to learn how to test for fleas inside your home.
According to the UF/IFAS Extension these are the Tick Disease in Florida:
- Brown Dog Tick
- American Dog Tick
- Lone Star Tick
- Black-Legged Tick
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
The area of the yard where your dog rests is usually where the brown ticks are found .