When you think of annoying pests, you may not immediately think of fleas and ticks. However, these bugs can cause a lot of dangers. You may have flea and tick control for your pets, but what kind of flea treatments are you doing to keep your yard and home safe from these creatures?
Fleas and ticks may be tiny, but the issues they can cause for you and your pets are no small matter. Bites from these pests can cause severe itching, fevers, anemia, allergic reactions, and much more. Some people can be allergic to flea bites, too. If you or your loved ones notice itchy welts and irritated patches of skin, you may need the help of a professional to control fleas.
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 the help of professional flea and tick extermination in Hoover right away.
Magic City Pest Control is here to help. If you notice signs of fleas and ticks in your home or yard, contact us right away for effective pest treatment. Get a quote today to learn more about our services, flea control products, and prices.
Dangers of Fleas in Hoover, AL
- Health risks to humans. Some people develop flea allergy dermatitis, leading to severe itching and red rashes. Fleas can transmit diseases, including plague, murine typhus, and cat scratch disease. Scratching flea bites can cause open wounds, potentially leading to bacterial infections.
- Risks to pets. Fleas are common in dogs and cats, resulting in severe itching, skin infections, and hair loss. Fleas act as an intermediate host for tapeworms, which can infect both pets and children. Severe infestations, especially in small animals, can cause blood loss, leading to anemia. Anemia can be life-threatening if left without immediate pet treatment.
Dangers of Ticks in Hoover, AL
- Health risks to humans. Lyme disease is commonly associated with ticks and can result in fever, joint pain, and neurological issues if untreated. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a severe, potentially fatal disease. Anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis are bacterial infections affecting white blood cells, causing flu-like symptoms. Tick paralysis is a neurotoxin from certain ticks that can lead to muscle weakness or paralysis. However, it resolves when the tick is removed.
- Risks to pets. Dogs and cats can develop Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, or anaplasmosis, which can cause fever, lethargy, and joint issues. Ticks can cause anemia from blood loss. Tick bites can cause local infections, swelling, or abscesses.
Signs of Fleas
- Excessive scratching or biting. Pets may scratch, lick, or bite areas like the neck, belly, and hind legs frequently.
- Flea dirt. These are small black or reddish-brown specks (flea feces) that appear on your pet’s skin or bedding. If you wet them on a tissue, they may turn reddish, indicating the presence of digested blood.
- Visible fleas. Adult fleas are small (2-3 mm), dark brown, and quick-moving insects. You may notice them hopping on your pet or in their environment.
- Skin irritation. This may come in the form of red, inflamed skin, scabs, or hot spots due to allergic reactions to flea saliva (flea allergy dermatitis).
- Hair loss. Fleas tend to congregate around the base of the tail, inner thighs, or neck, causing your pet to lose fur in those areas.
- Tapeworms. If fleas are ingested (during grooming), they can transmit tapeworms, which appear as small white segments in your pet’s stool or around their anus.
- Bites on humans. Flea bites appear as small, itchy, red bumps, often on the feet, ankles, or legs.
Signs of Ticks
- Visible ticks. You may see ticks on your skin or your pet’s fur. Ticks are often found around the ears, neck, underbelly, or between toes. They look like small, flat ovals when unfed and balloon-like after feeding.
- Localized redness or swelling. The bite area may become inflamed or swollen, especially if the tick has been attached for a long time.
- Lethargy or loss of appetite. Ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease, which can make you or your pet fatigued or unwilling to eat.
- Fever or joint pain. Tick-borne illnesses may cause fever, limping, or joint swelling. In humans, tick bites can also result in a “bullseye” rash.
- Excessive head shaking. Ticks may latch inside the ears, causing your pet to shake or tilt their head frequently.
Flea and Tick Prevention Options for Pets
- Topical treatments. These are typically applied to the back of the neck. They last about a month. They are easy to apply and there are waterproof options available. However, some pets may be sensitive to chemicals.
- Oral medications. These include pills or chews that are given monthly or every three months. They are convenient and leave no residue on fur. However, they may cause stomach upset or other side effects.
- Collars. Flea collars can last up to eight months, which is much longer than other options. However, they may cause skin irritation and are less effective in water. You can also use an effective flea comb.
- Shampoos and sprays. These work well for current infestations, as they kill fleas and ticks on contact. While they provide immediate results, they don’t prevent future infestations.
Environmental Control
To treat fleas in your home, do the following:
- Vacuum carpeted areas, furniture, and pet areas and pet bedding daily during infestations and empty the vacuum bag.
- Wash your pet’s bedding in hot water weekly.
- Use flea sprays or diatomaceous earth for carpets.
If fleas are in your yard, try these tips:
- Use insect growth regulators to prevent flea eggs from hatching in order to repel fleas and to stop the flea life cycle.
- Mow grass regularly and remove leaf litter where ticks and other parasites might hide.
- Consider sprays for outdoor areas if there’s an active infestation.
Contact Us Today for Effective Flea Control in Hoover, AL
You may be using flea and tick prevention products on your cats and dogs, but what about your home or yard? Fleas and ticks can be dangerous, causing itching and spreading diseases.
We’re here to help Hoover residents receive the help they need and provide great customer satisfaction from the team at Magic City Pest Control. We’ll keep you, your family, and your pets free of bites from fleas and ticks. Contact us online or call (205) 880-4466 to book your appointment with our flea and tick control service.