Flea & Tick Identification Guide
What are fleas & ticks?
Fleas and ticks are ectoparasites; this means they feed on the blood of their host from the outside of their body. Fleas and ticks both are able to feed on the blood of people and animals. Fleas and ticks are common outdoor pests that have the potential to find their way onto any property or into any home or business.
Fleas are tiny insects that use their powerful back legs to jump onto their hosts. Ticks are a type of arachnid. They are unable to jump so they lay in wait for a host to brush past them that they can crawl onto.
If you are having trouble with Fleas and Ticks, call PESTOUT today for your courtesy comprehensive inspection or to schedule a service. Learn more about our Targeted Yard Treatments for Fleas, Ticks, and Chiggers.
Are fleas & ticks dangerous?
Through their saliva, ticks are capable of spreading diseases to both animals and people while feeding on their blood. Diseases that ticks spread include Lyme disease, tularemia, and ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Fleas carry and spread some disease pathogen, but the spread of disease by fleas in the U.S. is not a huge concern. They do however cause other problems. Fleas carry and transmit parasites like tapeworms to people and animals and their saliva may cause an allergic reaction. After bitten those allergic to fleas will develop a red itchy rash. Excessive itching of the bite sites may create a secondary infection.
Why do I have a flea & tick problem?
Both fleas and ticks are often associated with pet owners, but the truth is that fleas and ticks have the potential to become a problem on any property. Fleas and ticks are introduced into yards by wild animals foraging for food or nesting sites. After people or their pets come into contact with these parasitic pests they move into homes and other structures.
In addition to hitchhiking their way into homes on people and animals, fleas will also hitchhike their way in on pieces of used furniture or rugs.
Where will I find fleas & ticks?
Both fleas and ticks spend most of their lives on the backs of their hosts. When not feeding, ticks wait outside for a host in tall grass, along the edge of wooded areas, along fence lines, and in ditches. Fleas prefer to wait in sandy soil for a host to come by that they are able to jump on. They hide under shrubs, decks, leaf piles, and woodpiles.
Ticks rarely become an issue inside as they are not capable of breeding indoors. However, ticks that move inside can quickly establish large scale infestations that are maddening to get rid of without the help of a professional.
How do I get rid of fleas & ticks?
To solve your flea and tick problem, it is best to partner with a professional. PESTOUT® is committed to getting rid of fleas, ticks, and other pests, and keeping them out! Here at PESTOUT®, we are a family-owned company dedicated to serving the needs of our residential and commercial customers.
Our friendly professionals utilize advanced technologies to deliver the comprehensive pest control services needed to solve pest problems in Hampton Roads, VA. If you would like to learn more about implementing our flea and tick control services into your Hampton Roads, VA home or business, reach out to PESTOUT® today. One call controls them all!
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How can I prevent fleas & ticks in the future?
Prevent problems with fleas and ticks by implementing the following prevention tips in and around your Hampton Roads, VA home:
- Cut any wooded areas back away from the perimeter of your yard.
- Cut vegetation back away from your home to help keep the soil around the foundation dry.
- Keep your grass cut short, especially grass located around foundations and fencelines.
- Maintain a barrier between any soil or mulch and your foundation.
- Remove bird feeders from your property that could attract wild animals.
- Keep wild animals out of your house by sealing up entry points in the foundation and exterior walls.
- Do not bring used furniture or rugs into your home.
- Wash pet bedding and vacuum your home regularly.
- Keep your pets off of beds and furniture.
Types of Pests
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