Lyme disease is the fastest growing arthropod-borne disease in the U.S.

Any websites or physicians stating lyme disease is NOT in Florida are incorrect and should be updated on the latest data. Lyme disease is spread primarily by the black-legged (deer) tick, but other ticks can spread the bacterium.  Currently three species of tick transmit the disease in Florida.  Our state has been invaded by many ticks, including  American dog tick, brown dog tick, Lone star tick,  and Gulf coast tick. The hot spot for lyme disease is still the northeastern states, but tick populations elsewhere are beginning to build with the bacterium infection.  The Lonestar tick has now been suspected of also spreading the disease in southern states.

 

Tick species responsible for lyme disease do not breed in the home, but breed in the yard and woodlands.  However, the brown dog tick...which does breed indoors…is also now  implicated in carrying the disease.  Florida’s  mild climate makes it possible to contact the disease year-round.  Medical experts say the tick must remain attached for at least 24 hours in order to infect the host with lyme disease.  It is therefore extremely urgent  that you inspect for ticks after any exposure to tick-harboring areas such as parks, woodland, and underbrush. Remove ticks immediately. Seek medical attention if symptoms appear.

 

Large scale broadcast treatments of tick habitat with insecticides is not effective, nor beneficial to the environment.  Prevention is the best recourse.

 

Read more at http://www.floridalyme disease.com/factvfict.htm