Identifying Lone Star Ticks in Florida
The lone star tick is distributed from central Texas, eastern Oklahoma, north to Missouri, and eastward in a broad belt across the southeastern United States, including Florida. Along the Atlantic coast, its distribution extends northward to coastal areas of New Jersey and New York. Lone star ticks are one of several types of ticks found in Florida.
Bites from the lone star tick are painless and commonly go unnoticed, remaining attached to their host for as long as seven days until it is fully engorged with blood. While it is not a factor in Lyme disease, the lone star tick does transmit bacteria that can cause several types of illnesses.
Professional pest control can provide effective solutions if you suspect a lone star tick infestation. At Florida Pest, our tick removal services are dedicated to safeguarding your home and restoring your peace of mind. Contact us today to learn more.
What Do Lone Star Ticks Look Like?
Adult lone star ticks are medium-sized, with reddish-brown bodies. Female ticks have a distinctive white or silvery spot on their backs, resembling a “lone star,” while males have scattered white markings.
Nymphs and larvae are smaller but share the reddish-brown coloration.
Signs of a Lone Star Tick Infestation
Signs of a lone star tick infestation include noticing ticks on pets, clothing, or in areas with dense vegetation. Pets may exhibit excessive scratching, biting at their skin, or developing skin irritation. In humans, tick bites often result in red, itchy welts.
A lone star tick bite may also lead to symptoms like a red circular rash or, in rare cases, sensitivity to red meat.
Where in Florida Do Lone Star Ticks Live?
Lone star ticks are widely distributed across Florida and thrive in areas with warm, humid conditions. They are particularly active in wooded, brushy, and grassy regions where they can easily find hosts like wildlife, pets, and humans.
Preferred Habitats
Lone star ticks are found in wooded areas and fields and are more common around homes and buildings in secluded or rural areas.
Adults are known to feed on large mammals, especially cattle and white-tailed deer. It is an ectoparasite of a wide range of domestic mammals like cattle, horses, goats, sheep, cats and dogs, and poultry.Humans are also commonly bitten by all active stages.
This species is rarely found living indoors, and if found inside, it will generally be discovered on dogs or cats.
Are Lone Star Ticks Dangerous?
Yes, lone star ticks can pose health risks to humans and animals. To reduce potential health risks, ticks must be removed promptly after being bitten and monitored for symptoms such as rash, fever, or fatigue.
Do They Spread Diseases?
The lone star tick is known to bite humans, and although they do not transmit Lyme disease, a bite from the lone star tick can cause people to develop an allergy to red meat, including beef and pork. This specific allergy is related to a carbohydrate called alpha-gal and is best diagnosed with a blood test. They are also carriers of diseases like ehrlichiosis and tularemia, making them a health concern for humans and animals.
Therefore, if you suspect you have been bitten, expert evaluation from an allergist familiar with the condition is recommended.
How to Get Rid of Lone Star Ticks in Florida
To eliminate lone star ticks, take these steps:
- Treat your pets: Use veterinarian-recommended tick preventatives, such as collars or topical treatments.
- Clear your yard: Mow grass, remove leaf litter, and trim vegetation to reduce tick habitats.
- Apply treatments: Use tick-specific pesticides around the yard, focusing on shaded and wooded areas.
- Inspect and clean: Check yourself and pets for ticks after outdoor activities, and wash clothes and bedding in hot water.
Lone Star Tick Prevention Tips
Prevent lone star tick encounters by wearing long clothing and using insect repellents with DEET or permethrin when in tick-prone areas. Create a tick-free yard by removing debris and keeping grass short. It also helps to regularly inspect pets and yourself for ticks, especially after spending time in wooded or grassy regions.
Need Help with Lone Star Tick Control in Florida?
If lone star ticks have become a persistent problem, professional pest control services in Florida can help. Contact your local tick control experts at Florida Pest today.
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FAQs
How rare are lone star ticks?
Lone star ticks are not rare, especially in southeastern and midwestern U.S. regions like Florida. They are common in wooded, grassy, and brushy areas where they seek hosts like wildlife, pets, and humans.
Why is it called the lone star tick?
The lone star tick gets its name from the distinctive white or silvery spot on the back of adult females, resembling a “lone star.” This unique marking makes them easy to identify.
