Fleas and ticks are common pests in Alabama that you might find on your dogs or cats. Both are parasites that can bite humans and animals and transmit diseases and bacteria.
However, fleas and ticks have many differences. One is their size and life cycle. Adult fleas are smaller than ticks, measuring 1 to 3 millimeters in length. Ticks can range in size from a pinhead to about the size of a small grape when fully engorged.
Body shape is another difference. Fleas have slender, elongated bodies, while ticks are generally larger and have a flatter, oval-shaped body. These pests also differ in terms of habitats. Fleas like to live in shaded, grassy areas, while ticks prefer to live near their hosts, such as near bird nests, rat burrows, or in grassy and wooded areas.
Fleas and ticks feed on the blood of their hosts once someone has been bitten. They are not harmless. They can cause itchy bites and spread diseases. They are more common during the summer months, but can come out any time of the year.
Magic City Pest Control can help you take back your yard or home after a pest infestation has taken over. Call us today to schedule a consultation and we’ll come out within a day or so. We act quickly to eradicate pests.
If you notice signs of fleas and ticks in your home or yard, contact Magic City Pest Control at 205-984-4212 to get flea and tick extermination in Birmingham, AL.
Where Do Fleas and Ticks Live?
Fleas and ticks can be found in a variety of environments. When they are not on their hosts (you or your pets), they may live in order areas, such as the following:
Fleas:
- Fleas often live in shaded, moist areas, particularly in places where pets or other animals spend time. They are often found under decks and porches, as these areas provide protection from the sun and are often frequented by animals.
- Fleas can lay eggs in the fibers of carpets and rugs, and larvae can develop.
- Pet bedding is another common hotspot for flea activity due to the consistent presence of a host.
- Watch out for your furniture. Fleas can hide in the upholstery and crevices of sofas and chairs.
Ticks:
- Ticks primarily live in wooded Areas: Ticks thrive in forests, woodlands, and areas with dense vegetation.
- This animal also love tall grasses. They often wait on the tips of grasses and bushes for a host to brush by.
- The damp, cool environment of leaf litter provides a suitable habitat for ticks.
- Edges of forests and fields, where different habitats meet, are particularly favored by ticks.
Dangers of a Tick or Flea Infestation
Fleas and ticks can pose significant health risks to both humans and animals. Here are some of the dangers associated with these parasites:
Fleas:
- Fleas can carry and transmit several diseases, including plague, murine typhus, and cat scratch disease.
- Flea bites can cause allergic reactions in both humans and animals, leading to severe itching and skin irritation.
- Fleas can transmit tapeworms to pets and humans. Pets ingesting fleas during grooming can become infected.
- Severe flea infestations can lead to significant blood loss in pets, especially in small animals or young puppies and kittens, causing anemia.
Ticks:
- Ticks transmit a variety of diseases, including lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis, and babesiosis.
- Some ticks produce a toxin that can cause paralysis in animals and humans. Symptoms usually resolve once the tick is removed.
- Tick bites can cause localized skin reactions, which can become infected if scratched.
- Some tick-borne diseases can lead to long-term health issues if not treated promptly and properly.
How to Prevent Fleas and Ticks
Here are some strategies to keep fleas and ticks at bay:
For you and your family:
- Wear long sleeves and pants when in wooded or grassy areas.
- Apply insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or permethrin.
- After spending time outdoors, check your body for ticks and remove any immediately with soapy water.
- Showering with hot water can help remove ticks that haven’t attached yet.
For pets:
- Use vet-recommended topical treatments that are applied to your pet’s skin monthly.
- Monthly chewable tablets or pills can be effective in killing fleas and ticks.
- Flea and tick collars can provide long-lasting protection.
- Use flea and tick shampoos and sprays regularly.
- Brush your pet’s coat frequently with a flea comb to check for fleas and ticks.
- Have regular check-ups with your vet to ensure your pet is flea and tick-free.
For your home:
- Wash pet bedding and vacuum carpets and furniture regularly.
- Use flea sprays, an insecticide, and foggers in your home to kill fleas and ticks.
- Keep your lawn mowed, bushes trimmed, and remove leaf litter to reduce flea and tick habitats.
How Our Flea and Tick Control Can Help
Have ticks or fleas in your Pelham home or yard? These pests are small, but they are a serious matter. You might be able to treat a few fleas and ticks on your own, but if you’re dealing with a major infestation, you need help from a professional.
It may be possible to control a small number of ticks by sprinkling diatomaceous earth around your yard. You can do this on your own or have the professionals at Magic City Pest Control do it for you. This powder dries out ticks and eliminates them naturally. It’s safe for humans and pets but can irritate the eyes and skin, so be careful if you touch diatomaceous earth.
If your tick infestation is more severe, we can treat your yard with granular and liquid chemical pesticides to stop the problem. You can request a one-time inspection or opt for monthly tick prevention services to keep these pests away from your yard all year long.
Contact Us Today For Pelham Flea/Tick Control
Pelham for Your Flea and Tick Control Needs
Fleas and ticks are annoying pests that can suck you and your pet’s blood and cause itchy bites. When DIY treatment methods don’t work, see what Magic City Pest Control can do to help get the best results.
If you notice signs of fleas or ticks in your home or yard, we can get rid of them quickly. Call us at (205) 880-4466 to learn about our extermination services. We can exterminate whatever’s bothering you, from fleas and ticks to rodents.