Summer brings sunshine, fresh air—and unfortunately, bugs. Whether you’re camping in the woods, hiking your favorite trail, or enjoying a backyard BBQ, mosquito and tick bites can quickly turn outdoor fun into a health concern. While most bites are harmless, some can lead to serious illness if you’re not careful.
“Florida’s warmth and beauty come with a hidden cost—an environment that’s ideal for biting insects and arachnids,” said Dr. Nick Colovos, MD, MBA, CPE, FACEP, medical director and Experience officer for BayCare Medical Group. “As a doctor working in this state, I see the effects of these bites ranging from mild itching to severe neurologic illness. Awareness and prevention really are key.”
Here’s how to protect yourself, what symptoms to watch for, and why some bites matter more than others.
Ticks don’t just live deep in the woods. They’re common in suburban backyards, local parks and even beach grass. And because their bites are painless, you might not even realize you’ve been bitten.
“Most tick bites are harmless, but some can carry pathogens that lead to long-term complications like joint pain, fatigue and neurological issues,” said Dr. Colovos. Some ticks carry Lyme disease. Ticks in Florida and other southeastern states can also carry ehrlichiosis and spotted fevers, which may begin with flu-like symptoms that escalate quickly.
Symptoms to watch for include:
Early symptoms can resemble the flu, so if you’ve been outdoors and start to feel unwell, don’t shrug it off.
If you spot a tick, removing it correctly is key to preventing infection:
Avoid internet myths like burning it off or coating it in Vaseline. “These methods can cause the tick to release more bacteria into your skin, increasing your risk of infection,” warned Dr. Colovos.
We all know the itch, but mosquito bites can come with bigger consequences. In warm, humid states like Florida, mosquitoes can transmit illnesses like West Nile virus, Zika virus or Dengue fever.
“Most people don’t even know they’re infected, but in rare cases, it can lead to severe brain or spinal cord inflammation. We’ve seen cases where healthy individuals develop life-altering complications,” added Dr. Colovos. “Repellent and awareness are your best protection.”
Mosquitoes are drawn to sweat, body heat and the carbon dioxide you exhale. To avoid bites:
Most bug bites heal on their own, but some are worth a closer look. Seek medical care if you notice:
“If something feels off, especially after a bite, don’t wait it out,” said Dr. Colovos. “We’d much rather evaluate you early than manage a preventable complication later.”
Bug bites are a part of summer—but with the right precautions, serious illness doesn’t have to be. Use repellent, check for ticks, and know when to seek help. Because the only thing you should bring home from a hike or barbecue is a great memory—not a bite that bites back.
For more summer safety and wellness tips, visit BayCare.org.
