Fleas and ticks. These are two pest species that you’ve heard about and probably dread dealing with, but you might not realize that they share some traits in common. While they are distinct and have many differences, fleas and ticks are parasitic pests that pose health risks for people and pets. When these pests live around your property, they are challenging to deal with, but there are effective ways to prevent and remove them.
Discover more about fleas and ticks from our Granada Hills' pest control experts at Johnny Rat Pest Control. You’ll learn how these pests get around and get some tips for keeping them away.
How Fleas And Ticks Get Around
Fleas and ticks are both parasites that need to consume the blood of mammals to survive. However, they do get around in slightly different ways. Fleas only live on the fur of animals, although they will also bite people. They are spread usually from pet to pet or by bringing in secondhand items already infested.
On the other hand, ticks will attach themselves to people and animals. They wait on plants for a host to get close enough. After they feed, they drop off and wait for another host to pass by in the future.
But, while these two species do have some differences in how they spread, they also have one fundamental similarity. Both of these pests come onto properties on the bodies of wildlife or rodents.
Fleas And Ticks Are Similarly Dangerous Pests
Fleas and ticks look somewhat different. Fleas are around the size of a grain of rice and are a longer, oval shape. They have larger front legs. On the other hand, ticks are circular and flat but will look round after they’ve eaten. They have eight legs and are a kind of arachnid.
But, while they might look different, they pose similar health risks. Because they consume blood, they act as vectors for various illnesses and spread diseases from host to host. Ticks carry sicknesses such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, while fleas transmit diseases such as murine typhus and the plague.
Both ticks and fleas can pose health risks for pets, including spreading diseases or causing sores as pets scratch and bite at their skin.
Factors That Attract Fleas And Ticks To Your Property
To get effective tick and flea control, you need to know the factor that attracts them in the first place.
Here are the main elements that attract these pests:
- Underlying Pest Problems: Rodents are one of the most common carriers of parasitic pests. If you haven’t spent time on general pest prevention, you could end up with rodents and the parasites they carry. You should also try to prevent wildlife species that sometimes have ticks and fleas.
- Untreated Pests: If you have cats or dogs, they can pick up parasites from other pets or wild animals. It’s wise to get help from a vet to keep your beloved pets protected.
- Unkept Yards: Ticks especially are attracted to overgrown properties. They’ll wait on bushes and long grasses for a host.
You can remove some of these factors, but the best way to keep ticks and fleas away is with Granada Hills pest control services.
The Best Way To Keep Fleas And Ticks Away From Your Property
If you want ongoing protection from fleas and ticks, the Johnny Rat Pest Control team will assist you. We address these parasitic pests and the species that often carry them around. Call us today to request a quote and get started on our effective home pest control and commercial pest control services.