What are fleas & ticks?
Found throughout the entire United States, fleas and ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of people and animals using their specialized mouthparts. While both of these parasitic pests feed on the blood of people and animals, fleas are considered more of a threat for domestic pets like cats and dogs while ticks present a significant threat to both.
Fleas
Fleas have hard, flat bodies that make them very difficult to crush. They are dark, brownish-red and have spines on their mouths, legs, and backs to prevent them from falling off their hosts. Fleas are wingless but have large, powerful legs that allow them to jump great heights and away from danger.
Ticks
Ticks are arachnids (adults have eight legs) and are closely related to mites, scorpions, and spiders. Ticks have oval-shaped bodies that will grow in size, expanding and swelling, after consuming a blood meal. Ticks are wingless. Instead of flying or jumping, they crawl onto and up their host to burrow into its skin to feed.
Are fleas & ticks dangerous?
Yes, fleas and ticks both have the potential to be dangerous to people and pets. Fleas transmit parasitic tapeworms and if pets that are heavily infested with fleas , they can become severely anemic. Some people and animals are allergic to their saliva and can develop an itchy, uncomfortable dermatitis. Ticks are known to carry and transmit a variety of diseases including the very serious Lyme disease, which can cause significant health problems in both people and animals if not treated.
Why do I have a flea & tick problem?
Fleas and ticks are usually introduced onto properties by wild animals like deer, foxes, opossums, raccoons, rodents, skunks, and squirrels. Both are then often introduced into homes by pets and people after coming into contact with them when spending time outside. Fleas and ticks cling onto people and pets and hitch rides back to homes.
Where will I find fleas & ticks?
Ticks live outside in wooded areas and in areas of tall grass or dense vegetation. Most species of ticks can't survive indoors. Fleas live outside in shady, moist, and sandy areas. Adult fleas spend most of their lives on a host, feeding and laying eggs in its hair or fur. Fleas are often brought inside by pets who come into contact with them outside or after spending time in places like campgrounds, dog parks, vet offices, and grooming facilities. Fleas and their eggs can also be introduced into homes in used rugs or furniture.
When are fleas & ticks most active?
Fleas are common indoor pests that remain active year-round in McKinney, Texas; their most active seasons are spring, summer, and fall, but they remain a threat to people and pets throughout the winter months as well. The temperature-controlled environment found in homes and commercial properties truly allows this pest to breed and feed throughout the year. Ticks, like fleas, can be active at any point during the year when temperatures are above freezing. In Texas, this means ticks remain active and a threat year-round.
Interesting facts about fleas & ticks
1. There are more than 300 different types of fleas living throughout the United States; the cat flea is the most common species and, despite its name, feeds on a variety of hosts.
2. Fleas have a vertical jump of more than 150 times their own height.
3. One of the biggest reasons fleas are so hard to control is because of how quickly they can breed. A single flea will create 400 to 500 offspring during their reproductive period.
4. Before attaching to a host to feed, a tick will always crawl towards the head of its host to attach around the neck and ears, where the hair and skin are typically thinner.
5. Ticks feed for long periods of time and will typically be attached to its host feeding for days upon days before becoming full and falling off its host to digest its meal.
How do I get rid of fleas & ticks?
To control and eliminate fleas and ticks, partner with Around The Block Pest Control. Our friendly and highly trained professionals deliver modern and effective pest control solutions. We will work closely with you to eliminate fleas and ticks and stop future flea and tick populations from making themselves at home on your Texas property.
Around The Block Pest Control offers a variety of residential and commercial pest control services, including general pest coverage, organic services, bed bug control, fire ant control, mosquito control, rodent control, and more. For information about the flea and tick control services we offer in northeastern Texas, contact Around The Block today!
How can I prevent fleas & ticks in the future?
In addition to our professional services, the following tips can help to prevent problems with fleas and ticks invading your property in northeastern Texas and surrounding areas:
Remove bird feeders from your property that could attract wild animals.
Establish a barrier between wooded areas and your lawn.
Do not bring used furniture or rugs into your home.
Regularly bathe and groom pets.
Keep your lawn trimmed short.
Regularly wash your pet's bedding.
Do not allow pets on furniture or to sleep in your bed.
After spending time outside, inspect yourself and pets for ticks or fleas.
Place pets on a year-round flea and tick control program with the help of their veterinarian.