Flea & Tick Identification & Prevention

Fleas and ticks are both well-known parasitic pests that have a reputation for biting their victims and feeding off their blood. Both of these insects prefer the blood of mammals, but humans are also at risk of flea bites and tick bites when these pests see an opportunity for an easy meal.

Fleas grow to around 1/8 of an inch in length and are reddish-brown or dark brown. On the other hand, ticks range in size from that of a poppy seed to half the size of a dime.

Ticks range in appearance depending on species, though they mostly appear in light and dark brown colors with varying patterns or spots. The species of ticks in our area that you need to keep a look out for include the black-legged tick, dog tick, lone star tick, and deer tick.

It’s important to get professional pest control in Plymouth to get rid of fleas and ticks from around your property to avoid the dangerous diseases they can carry.

Any tick or flea infestation is dangerous due to the diseases these pests spread through their bites. Fleas can pass murine typhus, cat-scratch fever, tapeworms, and plague to humans and animals, and they present the risk of transferring heartworms or causing anemia in your pets. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, among other serious illnesses such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis.

You likely have a flea and tick problem on your property because many of the factors that attract these pests are on easy display; fleas and ticks gravitate to easy food access like humans and pets, sheltered or overgrown areas for hiding, and moisture.

Outdoors, fleas, and ticks hide in piles of debris, long grass, or near moisture-ridden areas. Once they invade your property, fleas and ticks seek food sources such as pets and hide in pet bedding, fabrics, and carpets.

Professional flea and tick removal is the safest and most reliable way to get rid of these parasitic pests. Combat Pest Control is ready to help you evaluate your property for signs of these insects, identifying your major flea and tick problem areas. With this information, we develop treatment plans for your property’s specific needs and eliminate these problematic pests for good. Request a free quote today to get started and learn more about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.

Prevent future flea and tick problems by following our expert tips below:

• Treat any pets on your property with a veterinarian-approved flea and tick medication to eliminate one of the most common sources of flea and tick transmission on your property.
• Check pets for fleas and ticks by bathing and combing them, and wash pet bedding regularly to eliminate any unnoticed hitchhikers.
• Keep wildlife off your property to stop critters from dropping off fleas and ticks that might start an infestation.
• Cut down long grass, remove piles of debris, and declutter both indoor and outdoor areas to remove easy flea and tick hiding spots.
• Always cover up when out walking in overgrown areas to prevent fleas and ticks from securing an easy ride back to your property.

For more flea and tick prevention advice, contact Combat Pest Control today.