Fleas & Ticks
What are fleas?
Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. They are flattened from side to side, enabling them to move easily through the fur or feathers of their hosts. Fleas have long hind legs adapted for jumping, allowing them to leap remarkable distances relative to their size. These pests are typically reddish-brown in color and measure around 1 to 4 millimeters in length. Fleas can be found in various environments, including homes, yards, and animal habitats. While fleas primarily infest pets such as cats and dogs, they can also bite humans, causing discomfort and itching. Additionally, fleas can transmit diseases and parasites to both animals and humans, making their control and prevention important for maintaining the health and well-being of pets and their owners.
What are ticks?
Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and sometimes reptiles and amphibians. Ticks have a unique life cycle consisting of four stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. These pests are commonly found in wooded or grassy areas, where they wait on vegetation for a host to pass by. When a suitable host brushes against them, ticks attach themselves by inserting their mouthparts into the host's skin and feeding on blood. Ticks can transmit a variety of diseases to their hosts, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and babesiosis, making them significant vectors of human and animal health concerns. It's essential to take preventive measures, such as wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent, when venturing into tick-prone areas to reduce the risk of tick bites and associated illnesses. Regular tick checks after outdoor activities and prompt removal of attached ticks can also help prevent disease transmission.
How do fleas and ticks get in my house?
Ticks and fleas can enter homes through various means, primarily by hitchhiking on hosts or items that come into contact with infested environments. Here are common ways they can get into the house:
Pets: One of the most common ways ticks and fleas enter homes is by hitching a ride on pets, such as cats and dogs. Pets that spend time outdoors, particularly in grassy or wooded areas, can easily pick up ticks and fleas. Once inside, these pests can quickly infest carpets, bedding, and furniture.
Infested Items: Ticks and fleas can also be brought into the house on infested items such as clothing, shoes, or outdoor gear. For example, ticks may latch onto clothing while hiking or gardening, while fleas might hitch a ride on used furniture or rugs purchased secondhand.
Wildlife: Wildlife, such as rodents, squirrels, or birds, can carry ticks and fleas into yards and homes. If these animals have access to your property, they can introduce ticks and fleas, which may then find their way indoors.
Openings: Ticks and fleas can enter homes through small openings or cracks in walls, windows, doors, or foundations. This is particularly true for ticks, which may drop off hosts or vegetation and find their way indoors through gaps in exterior structures.
Please contact Dean’s Pest Control and ask about our Home Shield Program or our Property Shield Program, designed for commercial properties to ensure that flea and tick activity is controlled.
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