Fleas & Ticks

What Are Fleas & Ticks?

Fleas and ticks are a couple of parasitic insects that you really don't want taking over your property. Their primary feeding method happens by biting a host, be that a human, cat, dog, or another mammal so that they can drink blood. Fleas and ticks are typically out in full force during the warm seasons, but you may experience infestations of these pests year-round.

Fleas

Fleas are external parasites known for being incredibly small – they don't grow larger than 1/8 of an inch – and people commonly find them on their dogs and cats. They belong to the order Siphonaptera, which contains 2,000 other insects that feed on a host's blood to survive. Fleas are typically dark brown and have a hard exoskeleton; they are efficient jumpers that can move fast, enabling them to escape threats quickly. Once they get into your home, you'll often find them hiding in your pet's fur, in the fabrics of your home, or on your clothing. Bites from fleas are itchy, which is why you see pets scratching so much when infested with these pests.

Ticks

Ticks are arachnids, along with spiders and scorpions, and separated into the subclass Acari. There are numerous species of ticks throughout the United States, but the most commonly encountered species include deer ticks, lone star ticks, and dog ticks. Ticks grow larger than fleas, but they may have hard or soft exteriors depending on the species.

Are Fleas & Ticks Dangerous?

Fleas and ticks can be incredibly dangerous pests to have on your property because they can carry a number of serious diseases that they may pass transmit with their bites. These illnesses include:

• Lyme disease
• Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
• Tularemia
• Tapeworms
• Heartworms (in pets)
• Bubonic plague

If you experience strange symptoms or have trouble breathing or swallowing, these are signs of an allergic reaction after receiving a flea or tick bite; seek medical attention immediately.

Why Do I Have a Flea & Tick Problem?

Ticks and fleas can become a problem on any of our properties. These pests don’t generally find their way into our yards independently. Their wild animal hosts introduce them. Mice, squirrels, rabbits, skunks, deer, and other wildlife travel our properties, and they introduce fleas and ticks to different outdoor spaces, including our backyards.

Fleas often become a problem in our homes when they hitchhike their way inside with the help of a person, pet, or wild animal intruder. 

Where Will I Find Fleas & Ticks?

Fleas use their strong back legs to jump from the ground onto a host. They also use their jumping abilities to move out of the way of danger. You can come into contact with fleas in a variety of places in our yards like leaf piles, brush piles, piles of wood, and dirt areas under decks.

Ticks cannot jump or fly; they just have to wait in tall grass and dense vegetation for a host to happen by. People and our pets often come into contact with ticks when walking in wooded areas, and along wooded paths, fence lines, and next to the foundation of buildings.

How Do I Get Rid of Fleas & Ticks?

Fleas and ticks are difficult to prevent and eliminate. They are continually being introduced onto our properties by wild animals and neighborhood pets. Being proactive against these pests is key in protecting your family and pets from their bites.

Our experts get rid of fleas, ticks, and other pests using the industry's latest technology and highest standards. We have the experience and knowledge needed to identify and solve pest problems and prevent their return. To learn more about our flea and tick control services in Riverside, contact Compass Pest Management and speak with one of our helpful professionals! 

How Can I Prevent Fleas & Ticks in the Future?

Believe it or not, even homes without pets can end up with a flea or tick problem. While pets do make infestations easier, as they are usually preferred hosts for fleas and ticks, these pests may also get onto your property in other ways, including via wildlife passing through your yard.

To prevent flea and tick populations around your property, you can:

• Consult with a vet to ensure your pets have up-to-date flea and tick preventatives.
• Cut down long grass and remove outdoor debris to eliminate hiding spots.
• Make sure you keep wildlife out of your yard to prevent them from introducing fleas and ticks.
• Vacuum and declutter your home often to get rid of stray invaders.
• Wash pet bedding and other fabrics that pets frequent regularly.

And remember, you must remove every life stage of a flea or tick if you are going to prevent a reinfestation. Compass Pest Management can help you with this process. There is nothing worse than hosting large populations of fleas and ticks on your property; not only are these pests dangerous, but they can add serious stress to your daily life.

To get fleas and ticks off your property for good, reach out to Compass Pest Management. Our technicians are highly experienced and ready to provide you with the expert home pest control services you need to fully eliminate fleas and ticks from your property.