Niceville not spared as Florida ranks No. 2 for ticks

NICEVILLE, Fla. — Tick season is in full swing across Florida, and Niceville residents are being warned to take precautions as the state ranks among the top three in the nation for tick activity.

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Pest control company Terminix released its first-ever ranking of the 25 most tick-infested states, placing Florida at number two behind only California. The list is based on the company’s 2024 pest management data and reflects rising tick populations across the Southeast, including in local areas like Niceville.

Florida’s warm temperatures, high humidity, and green spaces were cited as key factors for the surge. Terminix also pointed out that even dense cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia are experiencing spikes in tick infestations.

“This isn’t just a nuisance. Tick activity is reaching new levels across the country, posing a serious and growing public health threat,” said Tom Dobrinska, Technical Service Manager at Terminix.

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He said the trend is partly driven by climate change, which is resulting in longer warm seasons and milder winters that allow ticks to survive and spread more easily.

Other states in the top 10 include Texas, Pennsylvania, New York, Georgia, and New Jersey. Common ticks in Florida include the American dog tick and the black-legged tick, both of which are known carriers of disease.

Terminix said the risk of tick-borne illness varies by region and species. The Northeast and Upper Midwest see higher rates of Lyme disease, while the Southeast is more likely to experience ehrlichiosis or spotted fever rickettsiosis.

“To protect against tick bites and illness, it’s important for the public to stay informed and take precautions,” said Mr Dobrinska.