Your Guide To Flea & Tick Control

What are fleas and ticks?

Both fleas and ticks are external parasitic pests that feed on the blood of people and animals. Fleas are about the size of a fleck of dirt. They have hard, flat bodies that are shiny and dark brownish-red in color. Fleas also have specialized spines on their mouths, legs, and backs to help prevent them from falling off their hosts. Their large and powerful hind legs give them the ability to leap vertically seven inches and horizontally thirteen inches.

Ticks have oval-shaped bodies. They use their specialized mouthparts to feed on the blood of their victims. Deer ticks are a common species of tick that people and pets come into contact with. They are small in size and are brownish-orange in color with black legs. 

Are fleas and ticks dangerous?

Both fleas and ticks are dangerous. Fleas are responsible for transmitting parasitic tapeworms. In addition, their saliva can create allergic reactions in some people and pets that can cause severe itchy dermatitis, which may lead to a secondary infection that requires medical attention. Pets that are heavily infested with fleas can become anemic. Deer ticks carry and transmit anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and Lyme disease. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is passed to people through the bites of infected deer ticks. If left untreated, the infection can become quite serious, spreading to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.

Why do I have a flea and tick problem?

Fleas and ticks are usually introduced onto properties by wild animals like skunks, squirrels, deer, raccoons, foxes, and opossums. Once on your property, the parasites remain until a new host passes by that they can attach themselves to and begin feeding on. If the new host is you, your kids, or your pets, these parasites can easily be introduced into your home, where they will reproduce and multiply.

Where will I find fleas and ticks?

Fleas live outside in shady, moist, or sandy areas. Fleas commonly find their way into homes on pets or people’s clothing after coming into contact with them outside. Fleas can also find their way into homes inside used furniture or rugs that are already infested with their eggs, larvae, or adults. Fleas can live successfully inside and are prolific breeders. Fleas and ticks are also commonly found in campgrounds, dog parks, vet offices, and grooming facilities. Ticks live outside in areas of tall grasses, dense vegetation, in ditches, along ponds, or along the edges of woods. Most species of ticks are unable to survive indoors.

How do I get rid of fleas and ticks?

The easiest way to control and prevent flea and tick infestations is with the help of the trusted Philadelphia pest control experts. At Resolution Pest, our board-trained, state-certified exterminators deliver the exceptional pest control services needed to rid your home and property of fleas and ticks. Resolution Pest is committed to using environmentally safe, ethical treatments to solve your flea and tick problem and prevent their return. To learn more about implementing a residential or commercial pest control service in your Bucks, Chester, Delaware, or Montgomery County-area home or business, call Resolution Pest!

How can I prevent fleas and ticks in the future?

In addition to our professional services in the Philadelphia metro area, the following tips can help to prevent problems with fleas and ticks:

• Inspect yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks and fleas after spending time outside.

• Trim overgrown shrubs or bushes around your property and keep your lawn cut short.

• Do not purchase used furniture or rugs for use within your home.

• Place a stone barrier between wooded areas and your lawn.

• Remove bird feeders from your property as they can attract wild animals.

• Under the guidance of your pet’s veterinarian, place your pets on a year-round flea and tick control program.