Flea and Tick Identification & Prevention

Fleas and ticks are small parasitic pests well-known for their ubiquitous presence on animals such as dogs and cats. These pests often jump or climb onto any animal that is outdoors, including wild animals, and dealing with an infestation of them can be risky due to their prolific nature and small size.

Fleas only grow up to around an eighth of an inch in length, while ticks can be anywhere from the size of a pinhead to around the size of an apple seed. Fleas tend to be reddish-black or reddish-brown in color, and ticks range in color from black to brown and gray with varying patterns and colored markings depending on the species.

If you have concerns about specific pests on your property, Georgetown Pest Control can help you with further identification.

Fleas and ticks are dangerous pests to host around your property due to the problems they cause with their bites. Flea bites leave their victims itchy, may trigger allergic reactions, and pass on illnesses such as murine typhus and tapeworms or heartworms to animals. Tick bites potentially pass illnesses like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and anaplasmosis, among many other others.

Flea and tick problems often start on properties that have dogs and cats, as they are common hosts to fleas and ticks. But even homes that do not have pets can wind up with these pests. People can inadvertently pick up fleas and ticks when traveling outside or visiting homes with existing infestations. Sometimes fleas are brought into homes on secondhand furniture or other items. Another way fleas and ticks can invade is when critters like rodents, birds, and other wild animals bring fleas and ticks to your property.

Fleas and ticks are most commonly found hiding in long grasses, piles of debris, or other overgrown outdoor areas. They are also frequently seen in the fur of cats and dogs, pet bedding, or carpeting. Because they embed themselves in our skin to bite for prolonged periods of time, ticks can also be found on our bodies.

Get rid of fleas and ticks the easy way by contacting Georgetown Pest Control at the first signs of these pests. Our expert technicians will provide your property with essential home pest control and commercial pest control services that ensure all traces of these dangerous parasitic pests are removed. Contact us today to learn more or request a free estimate.

The following flea and tick prevention steps will help keep your Georgetown, TX, property free of these pest invaders in the future:

• Treat cats and dogs that spend time outdoors with a veterinarian-approved flea and tick repellant medication.
• Take steps to keep wild animals off your property, such as installing fencing and consulting with Georgetown Pest Control for rodent removal assistance.
• Cut down long grasses around exterior areas and remove potential flea and tick hiding spots like debris piles and piles of wood.
• Seal cracks around your property’s windows, doors, and foundation to keep pesky fleas and ticks as well as the animals that may be carrying them outside.
• Check yourself and your pets for fleas and ticks after spending time outdoors.
• Declutter and clean interior spaces, including washing pet bedding regularly, to catch any flea and tick invaders that may have slipped inside unnoticed.

Reach out to Georgetown Pest Control right away if you need more flea and tick control advice or infestation removal assistance.