Floridian Multifamily Managers Need Tick Awareness

Don’t Get Ticked Off: Why Multifamily Managers Need Tick Awareness in Florida

While many property managers focus on common insect pests, overlooking ticks can lead to significant issues for both the property and its residents. These tiny arachnids, closely related to spiders and scorpions with their telltale eight legs, are more than just a nuisance; they pose a serious health risk and can impact resident satisfaction. WellTech Pest Solutions recognizes National Tick Awareness Week, which aims to educate the public on prevention and risks of ticks. The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA), which serves as the public outreach arm of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) designated May 4-10th as Tick Awareness Week.

Florida’s warm, humid climate provides an ideal environment for various tick species to thrive. Understanding the types of ticks prevalent in the Sunshine State and where they are typically found is crucial for proactive property management.

One of the most common culprits is the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis). These ticks are often found in grassy areas, along trails, and in wooded regions throughout Florida. They are known vectors for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and tularemia.

Another significant concern is the blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis), also known as the deer tick. While more prevalent in northern states, its presence in Florida is increasing, particularly in the panhandle and northern parts of the state. This tick is infamous for transmitting Lyme disease, as well as other diseases like anaplasmosis and babesiosis.

The Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum) is another common Florida resident, frequently found in coastal areas and grassy habitats. It can transmit Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis, a milder form of spotted fever.

Finally, the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) is unique in its ability to complete its entire life cycle indoors, making it a particular concern for multifamily properties. These ticks can infest kennels, homes, and even apartment buildings, and while they don’t typically transmit Lyme disease, they can carry other pathogens.

So, why should multifamily property managers and leasing managers be acutely aware of these tiny bloodsuckers? The answer lies in resident safety and property reputation.

Resident Health and Safety: As highlighted by WellTech Pest Solutions, ticks are vectors for several debilitating and potentially life-altering diseases. A tick bite on a resident could lead to serious health complications, resulting in negative experiences and potential liability issues for the property management. Proactive tick management demonstrates a commitment to resident well-being.

Property Reputation and Resident Satisfaction: Residents expect a safe and comfortable living environment. Frequent tick encounters on the property grounds can lead to dissatisfaction and damage the property’s reputation. Word-of-mouth and online reviews can be significantly impacted by pest issues, including ticks.

Liability Concerns: If a resident contracts a tick-borne illness potentially acquired on the property, the management company could face legal repercussions. Implementing preventative measures and addressing tick issues promptly can mitigate these risks.

WellTech Pest Solutions emphasizes a multi-pronged approach to tick control, which property managers should consider incorporating into their maintenance plans:

Prevention: Educating residents on personal protection measures, such as tucking pants into socks, using repellents, and avoiding high grass, is a crucial first step.

Reduction: Maintaining the property’s landscaping is vital. Keeping grass cut to a height of 3 inches reduces tick habitat. Implementing rodent control measures can also help, as rodents serve as hosts for some tick species.

Application: When infestations occur, partnering with professional pest control services like WellTech Pest Solutions is the most effective way to target and eliminate tick populations safely and efficiently.

By understanding the types of ticks present in Florida, their habitats, and the risks they pose, multifamily property managers can take proactive steps to protect their residents and their property. Embracing National Tick Awareness Week and implementing effective tick management strategies is not just good practice; it’s essential for a healthy and thriving community.

#gulfcoasttick, #tickawareness, #bloodsuckingpests, #ppma, npma

May 1, 2025May 1, 2025

Will Critter Mothers Get Free Rent at your Community?

This Mother’s Day, Let’s Protect All Mothers – Even the Furry, Uninvited Kind!

Just like the cherished mothers in your multifamily residential community, wildlife families are also seeking safe havens to nurture their young. Unfortunately, your buildings can sometimes look like the perfect, rent-free nursery to a variety of pests.

Why the Appeal? Your Building Through a Raccoon Mom’s Eyes

Imagine the world through the eyes of a mother raccoon. It’s a landscape filled with potential dangers for her vulnerable kits. Your quiet attics offer an irresistible sanctuary – a secure, elevated space far from the reach of most predators. Their incredible agility allows them to squeeze through surprisingly small openings and navigate heights that deter other animals.

Inside, your attic provides the ideal nesting environment. The soft insulation becomes a cozy cradle for her babies. One of the first telltale signs of a new family moving in? Piles of insulation mysteriously appearing around attic entrances or scattered on the ground like fluffy white clouds.

And let’s not forget the neighborhood amenities! Your property likely boasts an excellent “walkability score” for foraging mothers. Easy access to food sources, whether it’s fallen fruit, unsecured trash, or other tempting morsels, allows her to provide for her growing family without venturing too far from their safe haven.

A Proactive Approach: Ensuring a Pest-Free Mother’s Day for Your Residents

Prevention is the most thoughtful and cost-effective way to ensure unwanted guests don’t crash the Mother’s Day celebrations. Taking proactive steps like sealing potential entry points around your roofing, trimming back tree branches that act as bridges, and repairing any soffit damage can significantly reduce the chances of a raccoon family setting up residence.

Already Have a Tenant Who Isn’t Paying Rent? We Can Help!

If a mother raccoon has already chosen your building to raise her young, don’t worry! WellTech Pest Services offers a compassionate and effective range of removal, eviction, and exclusion services tailored to your specific situation. We understand the sensitivity of dealing with wildlife, especially mothers and their young, and our methods prioritize humane solutions.

This Mother’s Day, give your residents the gift of a pest-free environment. Let wildlife mothers raise their families in the wild, not in your buildings!

Call WellTech Pest Services today for a consultation and ensure a peaceful season for everyone.

REQUEST A CRITTER EVICTION

#mothersday, #wildlifeexclusion, #multifamily, #crittercontrol, #multifamilyresidential, #apartmentmanagement, #leasingmanagement

April 29, 2025June 4, 2025

Bat Rescue

After Hours Emergency and Bat Removal

Last Thursday evening in Tampa, close to Brandon, Florida, a resident of a multifamily building returned to her apartment and found a small bat clinging to a wall in her living space. Upon discovering the animal, the resident contacted the building’s emergency after-hours service, which routed the call to WellTech. Thomas Tellez, the account manager for the Tampa region and an individual with prior experience in wildlife management, was available and took the call.

Arriving at the apartment, Thomas located the bat on an interior wall. He observed that it was a juvenile, characterized by its smaller size and proportionally larger ears. Thomas carefully detached the baby bat from the wall and placed into a green towel. Immediately after stepping outside the apartment unit, he released the bat into the evening air.

Following the bat’s removal, Thomas conducted an inspection of the apartment to identify how the animal might have entered. He located a few small openings. Thomas temporarily sealed these areas to prevent immediate reentry and informed the building’s maintenance department of these potential access points, recommending that they be properly sealed to avoid future incidents.

#apartmentmanagement, #multifamilyresidential, #wildliferemoval, #babybat, #tampaflorida

April 24, 2025April 24, 2025

WellTech Pest at AAGO was more fun than a Wookiee party!

Once Upon a Trade Show Held in a Galaxy Far, Far Away at the Orange County Convention Center

Being in touch with your midichlorians would have led you to Central Florida a few days ago. If you happened to be traversing the galaxy (or, more specifically, the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando’s “Once Upon a Tradeshow” on Tuesday, April 22nd), and felt a disturbance in the Force… it was probably just the sheer awesomeness radiating from the WellTech Pest Solutions booth. We brought a little bit of a galaxy far, far away to Orlando, transforming our space into the WellTech Cantina, and judging by the crowds, it was more popular than a Wookiee with a fresh Bantha Burger.

Forget your podracers and hyperspace jumps, the real action was happening right here. We had a stellar crew on deck, including President John Wells, VP Jay Wells, VP Austin Matteson, the ever-charming Account Managers Brian Morris and Corey Dixon, and the mastermind behind the galactic invasion, Director of Marketing James Scheffel. They were all there, ready to talk pest control with the enthusiasm of a Jawa haggling over a droid.

But let’s be honest, even the most pressing pest concerns can take a backseat when there are free lightsaber pens involved! Yes, you heard that right. We were handing out these elegant weapons (for a more civilized age of note-taking) that doubled as handy flashlights. Perfect for navigating those dark corners where pests might be lurking… or just for finding your keys in a dimly lit speeder. We saw quite a few attendees ignite their pens with glee, perhaps practicing their best Jedi moves. May the write be with you!

And for those who appreciate a bit more… earthly indulgence, we also had a supply of free cigars. Because even in a galaxy filled with exotic flora and fauna, sometimes a good old-fashioned cigar is the perfect way to unwind after a long day of… well, tradeshow-ing. We’re pretty sure Han Solo would have approved.

But the fun didn’t stop there! We were also offering a promotional deal on our annual pest control agreement – a deal so good, it could probably tempt even Darth Vader to switch sides (imagine the Emperor trying to deal with a cockroach infestation on the Death Star!). Securing your property with WellTech is like having your own personal squadron of pest-fighting X-wings, ready to intercept any unwanted invaders.

For the truly adventurous, we had opportunities to collect blue tokens that could be exchanged for fantastic prizes. Think of it as your chance to earn some galactic credits without having to smuggle spice through a blockade. Every interaction, every question answered, was another step closer to claiming your reward.

And then there was the WellTech Cantina itself. Forget the shady characters and alien bands. We brought the excitement of chance to the tradeshow floor with fully operational blackjack, roulette, and slot machines. It was a fantastic way for attendees to test their luck and maybe even walk away feeling like they just hit the jackpot on the Kessel Run. We hope no one lost their Millennium Falcon in a high-stakes hand!

All in all, our Star Wars-themed booth was a massive success. We had a blast connecting with everyone at #AAGO, sharing our pest control expertise with a touch of intergalactic flair. We hope you enjoyed the freebies, the games, and the chance to escape to a galaxy far, far away for a little while.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the WellTech Cantina. May your homes be pest-free, and may the Force be with you… always! We’re already looking forward to our next mission!

Special thanks to Google Gemini for Artificial Intelligence inside this article (AI) and the rest of our staff for Actual Intelligence (also AI). We all used our Jedi mind tricks to recommend many multifamily management companies to turn from the dark side of their current multifamily residential pest control company. Search your feelings and you know it to be true… for multi-family residential pest control, Welltech Pest Solutions, LLC is YOUR NEW HOPE.

Special note: If you played any games at our booth, and received a blue token, click the button below for your show-exclusive offer. Offer expires May the 4th at 11:59pm.

click OR click NOT. THERE IS NO TRy.

#WeAreAAGO, #AAGO, #OnceUponATradeshow, #multifamilyresidential, #pestcontrol, #starwarsfan, #yournewhope

April 18, 2025April 24, 2025

Once Upon a Time AAGO Offers

General Pest Control or Wildlife Exclusion Offer

All new contracts in possession of a WT Blue Chip from the WellTech Apartment Association of Greater Orlando (AAGO) trade show booth may be eligible for the following discounts:

$.10 (10 cents) off per unit price for a general pest contract (GPC). This offer is good for an initial annual contract.

-OR-

10% a wildlife exclusion.

Offer expires at end of day (EOD) “May the Fourth”, May 4, 2025. May the Fourth Be With You! You must fill out the form prior to May 4th, 2025 @ 11:59pm.

Please fill out the form below completely to get this offer. Type promo code AAGO in the following form where its says Please describe your situation in detail.

By filling out this form, you acknowledge that one of our Account Managers or Marketing Staff will contact you in regard to our WellTech Pest Solutions, multifamily residential pest control services.

PROCEED TO CONTACT FORM

April 11, 2025August 27, 2025

The Men in Black at BAAA were “Out of this World”

2025 BAAA Trade Show Summary

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC wrapped up another Bay Area Apartment Association trade show on Wednesday with a presentation that had visitors swarming to check out the special agents. The theme this year for BAAA was “Out of this World” and was held on Wednesday April 9th at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Center. WellTech was located at booth 625, and served as a Photo Sponsor in 2025.

The marketing planners of the WellTech trade show display event and who were all in attendance included VP of Operations John Wells, VP of Sales and Marketing Austin Matteson, Director of Marketing James Scheffel, Southwest Florida Account Manager Corey Dixon and Tampa Account Manager Thomas Tellez. They jumped on the opportunity to do the “Men in Black” parody, because of the nature of WellTech is pest management. The theme from the first Men in Black motion picture features an alien that turns out to be a giant roach (spoilers if you have never seen the film).

The marketing materials were planned to resemble “Men in Black” movie posters from the original Men in Black (1997) featuring Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith. Both Austin Matteson and Eric Enoch are wearing shades, black suits and black ties as popularized by the motion picture. Austin and Eric are often are displayed holding tools of the trade by B&G (instead of space guns).

The WellTech trade show itself featured a laser tag game where visitors could “shoot the alien”. Visitors would aim their game weapon toward plush alien creatures hanging from the ceiling. The concept was inspired from the movie when Will Smith’s character is tested by Zed (Rip Torn) and Agent Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) prior to becoming Agent Jay. This game was constructed using wood, black plastic and vinyl panels of cityscapes. The game was managed by both Director of Operations Doug Bacon and John Wells. Check out the video below featuring a few of our attendees who played our interactive challenge.

WellTech’s Founder and President Jay Wells was also on hand providing complimentary cigars. A number of guests also picked up flashlight pens with the WellTech logo, prop roaches and flyers with QR codes leading back to the new WellTech website (where you are reading this story). Scheduling Coordinator Sarah Smart and Technician Eric Enoch were also present.

James Scheffel was responsible for designing the banners, posters and flyers to resemble the Men in Black. He also provided photography, videography, and assisted with handing out marketing materials. Below are a few candid shots from the event found on WellTech social media pages.

Did you attend the event, and want to reach out to WellTech Pest Solutions? Click the button below.

April 3, 2025April 3, 2025

Clearwater location buzzing with honey

As the warm weather finally arrived, so did the uptick of honey bees. WellTech Pest Solutions’ wildlife team responded to a call in east Clearwater for a significant bee swarm. Upon arrival, thermal scanning revealed a massive hive, prompting the need for backup to handle this formidable task.

After hours of intense work, the team successfully removed approximately 65 pounds of hive material. For educational purposes, they strained off a portion of the honey, yielding close to 3 gallons of raw honey. It’s important to note that this represents only a fraction of the hive’s total contents; much of the honey remained within the hive structure.

To estimate the colony’s size, the team considered that an average worker bee (all of which are female) produces about 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey in her lifetime. Based on the 3 gallons of honey collected, a simplified calculation suggests the colony may have contained around 27,648 honey-producing worker bees. However, this is just an estimate. It’s crucial to remember that this calculation only accounts for honey production and doesn’t represent the entire bee population.

WellTech Wildlife “Bee Team” (L to R):
Angelo, Danny, and Jose, Photo by James Scheffel

A hive contains far more than just honey-producing workers. There are also drones, the queen, nurse bees, and other bees that don’t produce honey. The 65lbs of hive material also adds a significant volume of hive and non honey materials. Therefore, the actual total population of this impressive hive was likely significantly larger than the number calculated from the honey yield alone.

This Clearwater hive was truly a “Buzz Winner,” highlighting the remarkable productivity of these busy bees!

WellTech “Pet” Solutions?

WellTech “Pet” Solutions? (Sometimes…)

WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC, understands the delicate balance between residents and the small creatures that share their lives, especially in multifamily housing. We are known for eliminating pests and removing wildlife, but we also encounter occasional pet rescues.

Recently our technician, Jose, arrived at a Clearwater location to rescue a family ferret. Jose understood the unique challenges of pet-friendly apartments. He knew that even the most well-behaved animals could find themselves in precarious situations. And he had an expert knowledge on how to handle this. He has his own ferrets at home, Missy and Little G.

He scanned the small apartment and noticed the hot water heater led to a narrow opening behind a the wall. He realized that the ferret was likely trapped inside the wall. Jose had to use his tools to open up the wall to release the ferret. Then, a faint rustling sound emerged from within the wall. Jose knew ferrets were curious, but they were also easily frightened. He needed to coax the little creature out.

He began to make soft, high-pitched “kissy” noises, a sound he knew Missy and Little G responded to. He mimicked the gentle chirps and squeaks ferrets used to communicate. The rustling grew louder, closer.

Suddenly, a small, whiskered face appeared in the opening. Jose coaxed the ferret closer. He extended his hand, and the ferret, hesitant at first, sniffed his fingers and then clambered onto his palm.

WellTech Pest Solutions for a moment became WellTech “Pet” Solutions, as Jose reunited the family with its pet ferret.

petferret, #ferretrescue, #welltech, #multifamilyhousing, #familypet

March 18, 2025March 28, 2025

Detecting the Difference Between Ant and Termite Swarms

*An Alate, typically a reproductive ant (with wings) | Credit: Pexels | Egor Kamelev*

Distinguishing between termite and ant swarms is crucial for homeowners and property managers, especially in multifamily residential environments where pest infestations can quickly impact numerous units. While both termite and ant swarms are flying insects that emerge in large numbers during specific times of the year to reproduce, there are key differences that can help you identify the culprit and determine the appropriate course of action. Understanding these distinctions is a vital first step in effective pest management, an area where WellTech Pest Solutions excels.

Appearance: A Tale of Two Bodies and Wings

The physical characteristics of termite and ant swarms offer clear visual cues:

Termite Swarms: Typically appear pale or light-colored (though some species can be darker, even black) with soft, straight bodies that lack a defined waist. A primary distinguishing feature is their four wings, which are all approximately the same size and length, extending well beyond their body. Termite swarms have broad bodies and relatively small heads, resulting in a more uniform, somewhat rectangular or chunky shape.

Ant Swarms: Exhibit a more varied coloration, usually ranging from brown to black, and possess a distinctly narrow, segmented body with a pronounced pinched waist (petiole), giving them the characteristic hourglass figure. Their two pairs of wings are unequal in size, with the front pair being significantly larger than the hind pair. Ant swarms have a more defined head in proportion to their body size.

Swarming Habits: Timing and Purpose

The timing and reasons behind swarming also differ between these pests:

Termite Swarms: Commonly emerge during warm weather, primarily in the spring or early summer. Swarming often occurs after rainfall or on warm, humid days, signaling favorable conditions for establishing new colonies. Their sole purpose is to leave the mature colony, pair up, and find a suitable location with a wood source to establish a new termite settlement.

Ant Swarms: Also appear in warmer months, but they tend to prefer hotter, drier conditions for their swarms. Similar to termites, their goal is mating and establishing new colonies. However, ant swarms are often more organized and may involve distinct trails or gathering points, whereas termite swarms can appear more sudden and scattered.

Behavior and Location During Swarms

Observing where swarms are present and how they behave can provide further clues:

Termite Swarms: Given their wood-destroying nature, termite swarms are frequently observed in and around wooden structures. This includes areas near the foundation, around window and door frames, or even indoors if an infestation is present. You might also see them near decaying wood outdoors, such as tree stumps or fallen logs. A telltale sign of termites is finding discarded wings, as they shed them shortly after mating and landing.

Ant Swarms: Are more likely to be seen around soil, on the ground, or near established ant nests. Their swarming behavior may involve more active flying and landing as they search for mates. While they might occasionally be seen indoors, their presence isn’t as directly indicative of structural damage as termite swarms.

WellTech Pest Solutions: Your Partner in Pest Prevention and Control

Distinguishing between termite and ant swarms is a crucial first step, but accurate identification and effective management require professional expertise.

WellTech Pest Solutions understands the unique challenges of pest prevention, pest management, and pest control in all environments, with a particular focus on multifamily residential settings in Tampa, Florida.

For property managers and residents in multifamily communities, early detection and proactive measures are essential to prevent widespread infestations and costly repairs. WellTech Pest Solutions offers comprehensive pest prevention programs tailored to the specific needs of these environments, including:

Thorough inspections to identify potential entry points and conducive conditions for both termites and ants.
Preventative treatments designed to create barriers and deter pest infestations before they begin.
Education and recommendations for residents and property staff to help minimize pest attractants.

*Ant Colony. Credit: Pexels | Nikola Sivko*v

In the event of a suspected swarmer sighting, accurate identification is paramount for implementing the correct pest management strategy. WellTech Pest Solutions’ experienced technicians are highly trained in identifying various pests, including termite and ant swarms, and can quickly determine the nature of the infestation.

When pest control is necessary, WellTech Pest Solutions utilizes cutting-edge techniques and environmentally responsible products to effectively eliminate infestations while minimizing disruption to residents. Their expertise extends to both termite control, which may involve specialized treatments to protect wooden structures, and ant control, which focuses on eliminating colonies and preventing their return.

In conclusion, while both termite and ant swarms are indicators of reproductive activity, their distinct appearances, swarming behaviors, and locations offer valuable clues for identification. For reliable pest prevention, accurate identification, and effective pest control, especially in the complex environments of multifamily residential properties, trust the expertise of WellTech Pest Solutions in Tampa, Florida. Their proactive approach and comprehensive services are your best defense against unwanted pests.

Find out more about termites, navigate to the Termite Page.

March 11, 2025March 28, 2025

Rodents Carry 35 Diseases Worldwide

Rodents are to blame for high profile death; and also spread 35 diseases worldwide

Photo featuring both a back rat and a white rat emphasizing story of rodent diseases. — WellTech Pest Solutions, LLC WT Logo. Photo provided by Unsplash.com,
Nikolett Emmert

The recent passing of Betsy Arakawa Hackman, wife of academy award winning actor Gene Hackman, has brought the rare but deadly Hantavirus into sharp focus. New Mexico officials released this virus as they cause of her death four days ago. (https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/investigation-update-gene-hackman-death-03-07-25/index.html) . Hantavirus is a zoonotic disease, transmitted through contact with infected rodents, and serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking within our shared environment. While Hantavirus hasn’t infected a human in Florida since 1993, (https://www.floridahealth.gov/%5C/diseases-and-conditions/hanta-pulmonary-syndrome/index.html) , the broader threat posed by rodents is anything but. (https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/rodents/index.html).

Hantavirus, responsible for potentially fatal conditions like Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), underscores the vulnerability of certain populations. The young, elderly, and immunocompromised face heightened risks from such infections. However, Hantavirus is merely one piece of a much larger, more concerning puzzle.

Rodents are known vectors for a staggering 35 different diseases worldwide, according to the Florida Department of Health. Transmission can occur through direct contact, contaminated feces, urine, saliva, or even through bites from infected ticks, mites, and fleas. (https://www.floridahealth.gov/environmental-health/rodents/index.html).

Among the more common rodent-borne illnesses is leptospirosis, a bacterial infection spread through the urine of infected animals. The CDC reports a million human cases of leptospirosis globally each year, highlighting the widespread nature of this threat (https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/about/index.html). Other diseases include histoplasmosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, plague, rat bite fever, tularemia, and salmonellosis.

In Florida, WellTech Pest Solutions has reported a concerning increase in rodent activity across the state. This surge elevates the risk of disease transmission, particularly in densely populated areas like multifamily housing complexes. The potential for widespread illness underscores the critical need for proactive pest management strategies.

The implications for multifamily housing managers are significant. The health and well-being of residents are paramount, and the presence of rodents poses a serious threat to both. Preventing rodent infestations is not merely a matter of property maintenance; it is a matter of public health.

Effective rodent control involves a multi-pronged approach. Prevention is key. This includes maintaining clean sites, particularly around trash areas, installing rodent bait stations to prevent entry and nesting, and implementing exclusion work to seal potential entry points. These measures can prevent costly cleanups and remediation efforts, and most importantly, protect residents from illness. The rising rodent activity across Florida demands a heightened awareness and a proactive response. It’s not just about addressing the immediate nuisance; it’s about safeguarding the health of communities. By implementing comprehensive pest management strategies, multifamily housing managers can play a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with rodent-borne diseases.

The case of Betsy Arakawa Hackman’s passing, while tragic, serves as a poignant reminder that unseen threats can have devastating consequences. The focus on Hantavirus should not overshadow the broader issue of rodent-borne diseases. By prioritizing prevention and partnering with experienced pest control professionals, we can create safer, healthier living environments for all.

rats, #mice, #ratinfestation, #rodents, #disease, #hantavirus, #hps, #hfrs, #leptospirosis, #floridapests, #floridahealth, #cdc, #betsyarakawa, #hackman