What are Fleas & Ticks?
Fleas are pests with a brownish-red or dark brown color. Their oval bodies are flattened sideways and covered with a hard shell. They have tube-like mouthparts designed for blood-feeding. Fleas typically stay on a single host, unlike ticks, which can feed on various hosts. In Florida, the most common fleas are cat and dog fleas.
But ticks are arachnids, like spiders. They have a soft, oval body without wings and possess eight legs. Common tick species in Florida include blacklegged ticks, Lone Star ticks, and American dog ticks. Ticks undergo a four-stage life cycle (egg, larvae, nymph, adult), requiring a new host for a blood meal at each stage. This wide range of hosts makes ticks vectors for many diseases affecting both humans and animals.
Are Fleas & Ticks Dangerous
Both fleas and ticks can pose risks to people and pets, but ticks are generally more dangerous due to their role in transmitting serious diseases like Lyme disease. Fleas can transmit diseases and act as intermediate tapeworm hosts, but their most immediate issue is the itching and rashes they cause from their bites. Severe flea infestations can lead to hair loss, open sores, and anemia in pets.
Why Do I Have a Flea & Tick Problem?
Florida’s warm, humid climate supports large populations of fleas and ticks. Wildlife, rodents, and stray animals often bring these pests into your yard. Once fleas or ticks are introduced, they can make their way into your home, though fleas are more likely to become an indoor problem as ticks usually can’t complete their life cycle indoors.
Where are Fleas & Ticks Found
Fleas hide in damp, dark areas such as under leaves, shrubs, or tall grass. They can be found in upholstered furniture, rugs, and bedding if they enter your home. Ticks, however, live outside in damp soil, under leaf piles, and in tall grass. They are commonly found along wooded trails, ditches, and fence lines. Ticks wait at the tips of grass and vegetation for a host to brush against so they can crawl on.
How Can I ward off Fleas & Ticks?
In addition to professional pest control from Turner, follow these tips to prevent fleas and ticks:
- Maintain your lawn by keeping the grass short and shrubbery trimmed.
- Remove your pet’s leftover food to avoid attracting stray animals or rodents.
- Regularly groom and bathe your pets. In Florida, consider a year-round flea and tick control program under your vet’s guidance.
- Frequently vacuum your home and wash bedding, including your pet’s bedding, to help eliminate stray fleas and ticks.
If you find adult fleas, then there may also be hundreds of eggs in your home. These eggs can take seven to 14 days to hatch, and the infestation cycle will continue. Turner Pest Control can rid your home of both adult fleas and larvae, giving you the confidence that your home is pest-free. Our standard flea treatment includes two services. If you are having a problem with fleas, contact Turner Pest Control by filling out our get a free quote form!
