Ticks And Fleas Identification & Prevention

Ticks and fleas are parasitic pests that feed on the blood of their hosts. The preferred hosts depend on the flea and tick species, but most in our area will bite and feed on people and pets.

Ticks are not technically insects; they are arachnids, more closely related to spiders. They have eight legs and are quite small before they feed. After the tick bites and feeds, it will become engorged. Specific sizes and colors vary depending on the species.

Fleas are insects that range in size from 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch. While incredibly small, it is usually possible for people to see them. Fleas are dark brown to reddish-brown and have a flat shape. A flea's preferred host is typically the family pet, but once in your home, you will also find flea bites on humans.

Ticks and fleas endanger our family's health and the health of our pets. Both of these pests can transfer a variety of dangerous diseases.

When we find ticks on humans or pets, removing them quickly and correctly is important. Ticks can spread diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tick paralysis, and Lyme disease to people. Our dogs are susceptible to canine ehrlichiosis and canine babesia.

Fleas bites can transmit things such as murine typhus, tularemia, and tapeworm to people, to name a few. Fleas on our pets can cause anemia and tapeworms. With a flea allergy, the constant scratching at the itchy bites can leave people and pets in danger of secondary infections.

Here in California, we love to spend time outdoors walking, hiking, and enjoying the weather. Unfortunately, it is easy for ticks and fleas to join us, and they will stay on for the ride.

Fleas are powerful jumpers who sometimes hitchhike their way into our homes on our clothes. Ticks do not jump or fly, but they will free-fall onto us or grab on as we walk by.

For pet owners, tick and flea control are especially important. When we take our four-legged friends outdoors, they can easily pick up ticks and fleas in wooded or overgrown areas. 

Outside you can find fleas and ticks anywhere warm-blood animals go. Woodpiles, weeds, and debris in your yard will attract rodents and the ticks that feed on them. Taking a pet outdoors without preventative tick control increases the likelihood of picking up ticks.

Fleas are also easy to pick up in our travels. Fleas can be transferred from one animal to another while walking pets or at a dog park. Fleas will also attach to our socks, pants, and shoes to hitchhike their way into our homes. Because they breed rapidly, you will likely soon have a flea infestation in your home.

Ticks and fleas are difficult pests to eradicate when an infestation occurs. Whether the problem is indoors or outside, the best way to get rid of fleas and ticks is to work with a company like The Termite Guy. Our 25 years of experience help us to eliminate ticks and fleas from your home and yard so you can regain your peace of mind and protect your family and pets from dangerous diseases.

Prevention can go a long way toward keeping your family and pets safe from ticks, fleas, and the diseases they transmit. Here are some tips to help prevent these dangerous pests:

• Frequent vacuuming can help to interrupt the flea life cycle by eliminating eggs hidden in carpeting, floors, and pet bedding.
• Keep your grass cut short and the yard well maintained, limiting debris piles and overgrowth.
• Ask your veterinarian for advice on what to use for flea and tick protection for your pets.
• Check for ticks on yourself and your pets when returning home from a walk.

Unfortunately, preventing ticks around Orange, Los Angeles, and Ventura Counties is difficult. When prevention fails, The Termite Guy team is here to help. The Termite Guy is here to help with tick and flea control for your house and yard. Preventative measures will ensure the health and well-being of your family and pets.