Seeing Flea Dust or Feeling Tick Bumps? Flea & Tick Prevention & Control in Homes & Yards in The Villages, FL

Fleas and ticks are both parasitic in nature, living on hosts much larger than themselves. Both fleas and ticks feed on the blood of their chosen hosts and are transmitters of various diseases. The territories of the two are not defined by specific location. Ticks tend to dwell within the habitats of their preferred host. Ticks can be found in areas as diverse as forests, grasslands and homes. After they hatch, all stages of a tick’s life cycle will feed on blood. Fleas are insects that are wingless and incapable of flight. Their flat bodies and long legs have developed to allow them to have impressive jumping skills and the ability to move unimpeded through dense fur or hair. Fleas can be found throughout the world, with some species living primarily inside households. The adult fleas are the only ones that feed on blood. Neither ticks of fleas choose humans as their primary host and both are known to bite and feed on humans in the absence of other food sources.

Signs of Fleas & Ticks on Dogs & Cats

You should check your pet for fleas and ticks on a regular basis, especially in the summer months. You can do this when you are playing with them or grooming them. Fleas and ticks can be anywhere on your pets’ body, but they prefer to attach themselves near the head, neck, ears, and paws. You might feel a tick bump before you actually see a tick. Signs that fleas have been around is the flea dirt left behind on your pets’ coats and skins. Flea dirt is black specks that look like pepper or bits of dirt, which is actually fecal matter. If you take a comb and run it through your pets coat along with a paper towel and see these specks, then there’s a good chance your pet has fleas.

Flea & Tick Control in Your Home

When using sprays, spot-on treatments, topical treatments, or oral medications, you should keep in mind that if your pets do get fleas and/or ticks, the adults are only a small percentage of the total infestation. The majority of fleas and ticks in an infestation are the eggs, larvae, and pupa, that are most likely throughout your home, primarily in your pets’ living spaces. If fleas and ticks are in your home, they are most likely to be found in cracks and crevices in walls, upholstered furniture, in bedding and even under carpeting. There is no need to panic though. Treat your pet first then tackle your home.

Controlling Fleas and Ticks in Your Yard

It is not difficult to get a tick-free environment, but it does take some consistency. You should install barriers that will enclose your property to prevent animals from passing into your yard. Mow your lawn on a regular basis and keep bushes trimmed and remove any mulch or leaf litter. Doing this will make it less hospitable for fleas and ticks. Keep garbage containers tightly closed. Making garbage less accessible to stray animals and/or rodents (which are common flea and tick hosts) from getting into your yard will help. If your pets spend time outside, make sure they are protected with some sort of flea and tick treatment and avoid tall grasses or brush. If you think you have a problem with fleas or ticks, call Pest 911 to review the situation and recommend a solution.