Tick awareness important as Lyme disease cases increase

Tick-borne illnesses are surging across the United States, and Florida is uniquely vulnerable. According to the University of Florida’s Emerging Pathogens Institute, the majority of confirmed Lyme disease cases in the state are in North Florida. Ticks are more prevalent north of the I-4 corridor than they are in the rest of the state, so residents of Northeast Florida need to take preventative measures particularly in peak season.

Florida's warm, subtropical climate means ticks are active year round. They can be primarily found in parks, forests and urban green spaces. Spring and summer are peak seasons for the lone star tick (a carrier of ehrlichiosis and southern tick-associated rash illness), the American dog tick (a carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever), while the black-legged deer tick (the primary vector for Lyme disease) is most active in fall and winter.

Turner Pest Control urges Florida residents to take these steps now to support tick prevention during the peak warm season months:

• Perform thorough tick checks on yourself, children and pets before going indoors

• Keep grass trimmed and clear overgrown vegetation around the home perimeter

• Use veterinarian-recommended tick prevention products on all pets year round, because pets, particularly dogs, are the primary vector for bringing ticks inside the home

• Contact a licensed pest professional for customized, perimeter tick treatments

For more information and to learn more about Turner Pest Control, go to www.turnerpest.com.