Flea & Tick Identification Guide

What are fleas and ticks?

Fleas and ticks are small parasitic pests that are known best for the problems that they cause our pets as they hide in their fur and deliver itchy or pathogen-ridden bites. However, flea and tick infestations may also cause serious problems for the humans on your property, especially when these pests are left untreated.

Fleas are easily recognized by their small size, dark brown to reddish-brown or black coloration, and their ability to jump long distances to avoid threats. Fleas leave itchy bites behind on humans and mammals, and they love to invade both indoor and outdoor areas.

Ticks are also fairly small, and this pest belongs to the scientific classification of arachnid. Ticks are typically grayish-white, brown, black, reddish-brown, or yellowish depending on their species, and they may have a variety of spots or striped patterns.

Are fleas and ticks dangerous?

Fleas and ticks are dangerous to host on your property due to the diseases that these pests may transmit to humans and animals. Fleas are known to transmit tapeworms, heartworms to pets, and illnesses such as murine typhus and plague, while tick bites may result in serious diseases such as Lyme diseases, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis.

If a flea and tick infestation is left untreated, they may cause serious health issues in pets on your property, resulting in anemia and even fatalities.

Why do I have a flea and tick problem?

Fleas and ticks are typically attracted to properties where they can easily access mammals to feed on and hiding places. Ticks love overgrown areas and piles of debris, and fleas tend to hide in long grasses or fibers around interior areas, such as carpets and upholstered furniture. In most cases, flea and tick problems start with an infested animal introducing these parasitic pests to your property.

Where will I find fleas and ticks?

Fleas and ticks may be found indoors or outdoors, and these pests are usually hard to spot due to their small size. Ticks may be found in overgrown areas and long grasses or woodpiles outdoors, or they may hide in fabrics inside. Fleas will be found outdoors in long grasses or around carpeting, furniture, pet beddings, and piles of clutter inside.

How do I get rid of fleas and ticks?

If you want to get rid of fleas and ticks the right way, you should contact The PEST Group at the first signs of these pests on your property. Our pest management professionals are ready to help inspect your property for flea and tick issues and provide you with tailored home pest control and commercial pest control services that protect you and those you care about from these parasitic pests.

How can I prevent fleas and ticks in the future?

Prevent fleas and ticks in the future by following our expert tips below:

Cut down long grasses outdoors and clear outdoor spaces of clutter like debris piles and woodpiles to reduce flea and tick hiding spots.
Ensure pets that spend time outdoors are treated with a vet-approved flea and tick prevention medication.
Brush pets often and give regular baths to catch any fleas or ticks that might have crawled onto your animal.
Clean interior areas often and vacuum carpeting regularly to catch any traces of fleas or ticks that you may have accidentally picked up.
Wear long-sleeved clothing and pants when moving around overgrown areas to deter tick bites.

Don’t hesitate to contact The PEST Group today for effective flea removal services or reliable tick control near you.

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