How to Protect Yourself from Ticks and Mosquitoes in Florida
Ticks and mosquitoes are more than a nuisance. They can transmit diseases, and Florida residents can encounter them throughout the year.
Protect yourself from biting insects by remembering three things:
- Prevent bites — Use repellent, cover exposed skin, check for ticks, and eliminate standing water.
- Stay informed — Pay attention to local public health alerts, especially because conditions can vary by Florida region and change over time.
- Know when to seek medical attention — Be aware of symptoms that can occur after a mosquito or tick bite and contact a healthcare professional when appropriate.
Florida's warm climate means that avoiding biting insects is not simply a seasonal concern. Taking a few minutes to prevent bites can help reduce the risk of mosquito- and tick-borne illnesses.
Why Ticks and Mosquitoes Matter
Mosquitoes and ticks can carry germs that cause illness. The Florida Department of Health has identified mosquito-borne diseases such as West Nile virus, Eastern equine encephalitis, and St. Louis encephalitis in Florida. Dengue fever has also been reported in health and safety notices.
Ticks can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis. Florida's Department of Health notes that tick-borne diseases can occur throughout the year in the state.
Of particular concern is alpha-gal syndrome, a potentially serious allergy associated primarily with lone star tick bites in the United States. People with alpha-gal syndrome can experience allergic reactions after consuming or being exposed to products containing alpha-gal, including certain meats.
You do not have to avoid the outdoors to protect yourself. The goal is to reduce your exposure and make bite prevention part of your normal outdoor routine.
Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes
Use an EPA-Registered Repellent
It is recommended to use insect repellents registered with the EPA. Always look for an EPA registration number on the product label and follow the directions carefully. Only use the amount and frequency directed on the label.
If sunscreen and insect repellent are both needed, CDC recommends applying sunscreen first and insect repellent second.
For children, an adult should apply repellent according to the product label. Do not allow young children to handle repellent themselves, and avoid applying product to a child's hands, eyes, mouth, cuts, or irritated skin.
For more information you can view the Centers for Disease Control guidelines here.
Cover Your Skin
Mosquitoes can bite during both the day and night. When mosquitoes are active, wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs. Covering exposed skin can reduce the number of places mosquitoes can bite.
Keep Mosquitoes Outside
Check screens on windows and doors. Repair holes or damaged screening and keep exterior doors and windows closed when possible.
Remove Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in and around standing water. The Florida Department of Health notes that this can be as little as one teaspoon or a bottle cap of water. Empty, drain, cover, or remove items that collect water. Check again after heavy rain or storms.
Regularly inspect your property for anything that can collect water, including:
- Containers
- Pet bowls
- Children's toys
- Gutters
- Low lying areas prone to flooding or retaining water
Protect Yourself From Ticks
Ticks are commonly found in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas. When walking on trails, stay toward the center rather than walking through tall grass and brush. However, you do not necessarily have to travel deep into the woods to encounter one. Ticks can also be found in yards and neighborhoods. When outside, wear clothing that covers your skin if practical. If you choose to use a repellent, choose an EPA-registered repellent labeled for protection against ticks and follow the product's directions.
Check for Ticks After Being Outdoors
After spending time in an area where ticks may be present, check your entire body and clothing carefully. Parents and caregivers should check children, individuals who may require assistance, and pets for ticks when returning from outdoor activities. Ticks can also enter a home on clothing, backpacks, and other outdoor equipment, so you should check these items as well. It is also recommended to shower as soon as possible after coming indoors. Showering can help remove unattached ticks and provides an opportunity to perform a careful tick check.
If you find an attached tick, remove it promptly. Healthcare professionals recommend using clean, fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick.
Special Considerations for Families, Older Adults, and Caregivers
For Children
Children often spend time outdoors and may not notice a tick attached to their body. Parents and caregivers should make tick checks part of the routine after outdoor activities. Young children should not be responsible for applying insect repellent themselves. For infants who are too young for insect repellent, use protective clothing and mosquito netting as recommended by health authorities.
Older Adults
Older adults should take mosquito and tick prevention seriously. People age 65 and older have a higher risk of developing complications from diseases. This does not mean older adults need to avoid outdoor activities, only that consistent bite prevention is particularly important.
A caregiver or family member can help by checking that repellent has been applied correctly, clothing provides adequate coverage, screens are intact, and outdoor areas are free of standing water.
Caregivers for People With Disabilities
A caregiver, family member, or support professional may need to help with:
- Applying insect repellent according to the label
- Choosing protective clothing
- Checking areas of the body that are difficult for the individual to see or reach
- Checking wheelchairs, walkers, bags, and other assistive equipment after outdoor activities
- Checking for ticks after community outings
- Removing standing water around the person's home or activity area
- Watching for changes in health or behavior after a known insect bite
For someone who has difficulty communicating symptoms, caregivers should pay attention to changes from the person's normal behavior and seek medical advice when appropriate.
Know When to Seek Medical Attention
Not every mosquito or tick bite results in illness. However, it is important to pay attention to symptoms that develop after possible exposure. If you develop symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, stiffness, or rash within several days to weeks after being bitten, you should see your regular medical provider. Immediate medical attention is recommended for serious symptoms that occur suddenly such as high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, neurological symptoms (such as confusion), or tremors. People with symptoms after an insect bite should tell their healthcare provider about their possible mosquito or tick exposure.
Make Bite Prevention Part of Your Routine
Florida's warm climate means that outdoor activities are part of everyday life for many families, seniors, and people with disabilities. The goal is to develop simple habits that reduce your exposure.
Before going outside: Apply appropriate repellent, dress for protection, and consider where you will be spending time.
While outdoors: Avoid unnecessary contact with tall grass and brush, protect exposed skin, and remember that mosquitoes may be active during the day as well as at night.
When you return: Check yourself, children, individuals who need assistance and pets for ticks. Shower as soon as possible and remove attached ticks promptly.
Around your home: Drain standing water and maintain screens.
And most importantly, pay attention to local public-health alerts. Mosquito and tick risks can change with weather, rainfall, environmental conditions, and disease activity.
A few minutes of prevention can help you and the people you care for enjoy Florida's outdoors more safely.
For more information about preventing mosquito- and tick-borne diseases, you can go to the Florida Department of Health website and the Centers for Disease Control pages on Mosquitoes and Ticks.