Ticks are more than a nuisance — they can carry serious diseases like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis. Central Florida's mild winters and abundant wildlife mean ticks are active nearly year-round. Knowing where they hang out and how to avoid them is essential.
Where Ticks Are Most Likely to Be
Ticks don't jump or fly. They wait on grass blades and low shrubs for a host to brush by. Their favorite spots include:
Tall grass and overgrown fields – the classic tick habitat.
Wooded areas and trails – especially along the edges where grass meets forest.
Leaf litter and brush piles – provides moisture and cover.
Around bird feeders and bird baths – birds can carry ticks into your yard.
Ocala National Forest and other natural areas – visitors regularly report picking up ticks here.
In Your Own Yard
Your lawn can be a tick zone if it's not maintained. Ticks thrive in:
Unmowed grass and weeds.
Shady, damp areas near fences or shrubs.
Places where mice, deer, or stray animals pass through.
How to Avoid Ticks
Before going outside:
Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot.
Tuck pants into socks and wear long sleeves in wooded areas.
Use an EPA-approved repellent with DEET or picaridin.
Treat clothing and gear with permethrin for extra protection.
In your yard:
Mow the lawn regularly and keep grass short.
Remove leaf litter and trim back overgrown brush.
Create a 3-foot barrier of gravel or wood chips between your lawn and wooded areas.
Keep playsets, patios, and seating areas away from tall grass.
After coming inside:
Do a full-body tick check on yourself, your kids, and your pets.
Shower within two hours of being outdoors.
Tumble clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any hidden ticks.
What to Do If You Find a Tick
Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure — don't twist or jerk. Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water. Monitor for a rash or flu-like symptoms and see a doctor if they appear.
A year-round pest control plan that includes tick treatments for your yard can dramatically reduce your risk. RH Miller Pest Services provides power sprays and sweeping treatments designed to target ticks in the brush, grass, and shaded areas where they hide. Our Central Florida team can set up a regular schedule that keeps your yard protected through every season so you and your pets can enjoy the outdoors with less worry.