The Gulf Coast Tick is a particularly nasty breed of tick. They’re plentiful and can transmit a wide range of diseases when they bite and feed on people and pets. Gulf Coast Ticks will bite anywhere, but there is evidence that they prefer to bite in the ears of host animals, including people. Males may also emit pheromones that attract female ticks, although the range of this is limited. Female Gulf Coast ticks will drop off after 26 days, but males will often refuse to leave the host.
Gulf Coast Ticks in Florida are active more than half the year, from February through September. They can lay up to 10,000 eggs per clutch, so don’t assume that a tick infestation limited to one part of your property will remain limited.
Gulf Coast Ticks may result in Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. They also transmit a number of diseases in pets and livestock that may result in severe infections, paralysis, or death. When hiking, remember to cover your exposed skin as well as possible. This isn’t practical for pets in Florida, so remember to check repellents for their ability to effect ticks and if they may be safely used on animals.
After hikes or work in the wilderness, run your hands over your own skin and through your pet’s fur, checking for potential ticks. If you find one, use tweezers to grasp it as close to its head as possible. Slowly pull straight out until it releases from your skin. Twisting may release the tick from its head, meaning the head will still be in you even if you successfully remove the body.
Ticks enjoy wild areas and can make it into your home if there’s an area left wild close to the house. If you’re worried about an infestation or you’ve removed ticks from you or your pet, call us and talk to us about the best course of action.