Small and difficult to see, fleas and ticks are found in most yards, and can be dangerous. Both are external parasites, meaning they live on the blood of humans and animals. Both are vectors of disease, and they can transmit dangerous diseases directly into the blood of humans or pets. It is important to learn how to get rid of fleas. Fleas and ticks are commonly associated with house pets, and while pet owners should watch out for these pests, any home could be at risk.
Depending on the challenges you’re currently facing with ticks or fleas, there are different pest control options available. Nextgen Pest Solutions offers both preventative and one time treatments for fleas and ticks to deal with these dangerous pests. For a free quote, give us a call at (470) 336-4315.
Common flea (Pulex irritans)
Flea Characteristics and Risks
Best known to pet owners, fleas are a common biting pest that feeds on animal and human blood. Fleas are small – less than 1/10th inch long – making them difficult to spot if they’re in a pet’s fur. They are reddish-brown and have no wings, although they can jump long distances.
In most cases, fleas can come into your home by hitching a ride on your dog or cat, although wildlife pests like rats and squirrels can also introduce fleas. Once on a host or in your home, a flea population can grow quickly. Female fleas lay hundreds of eggs per day around your home in carpet, upholstery, bedding, and in the floor.
Flea bites are often itchy for both pets and humans. If your dog or cat is scratching frequently, it could be a sign of fleas. In rare cases, flea bites can also cause allergic reactions in humans that require immediate medical attention.
Fleas can also spread disease. They pick up pathogens when they feed on the blood of other animals, and can transfer those to humans. Fleas can spread:
Plague
Typhus
Cat Scratch Disease
Tapeworm and Other Parasites
Compared to mosquitoes, fleas are less prone to passing these diseases onto humans. But the risk is there, and because of the distress they can cause to family and pets, preventing and removing fleas is a top priority.
There are preventative measures you can take against fleas like treating pets regularly with flea medicine that repels pests, keeping your yard free of debris, and keep rodents and wildlife pests that might carry fleas out of your home. For the most effective flea prevention, or if you already have fleas in your home, a local professional exterminator is necessary.
Tick Characteristics and Risks
A type of arachnid (loosely related to spiders), ticks are especially risky for their potential to transmit diseases to their hosts. While the appearance of a tick will vary between species and age, ticks are round and small, usually less than ¼” long. They range from medium to dark brown.
In general, ticks live in grass, wooded areas, and in brush, so it is not uncommon to find them in yards. They do not typically travel into homes, but they may bite when you brush by where they are waiting, and as soon as they bite they latch on and do not let go.
There are several species of ticks present in the US, including ones that can spread diseases. Some of the ticks to watch out for locally include:
Blacklegged Tick/Deer Tick
American Dog Tick
Brown Dog Tick
Lone Star Tick
Soft Tick
Ticks survive on the blood of humans and animals. They feed by latching onto a host for anywhere between a few hours and a few days. The ticks then leave the host to lay eggs, grow, and find a new host. The danger with ticks is that they can pick up diseases from the blood of prior animal hosts and transmit it to humans during the next feeding.
Over 40,000 cases of tick related illnesses occur in the US each year. Ticks can spread Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, the Heartland virus, and others. On humans, these can result in a rash, irritation at the sight of the bite, joint pain, and fever or chills. While most tick-borne illnesses can be cured, medical attention is necessary.
If you have dogs, ticks can also latch onto your pet, travel into your home, and spread disease. Because pets have lots of hair and cannot tell you that they’re experiencing symptoms of a bite, it is a good idea to check your pets regularly for ticks or treat it with a flea and tick control medication.
Techniques and Treatments for Flea and Tick Control
The safest flea and tick control is prevention, ensuring that there is no risk of these parasitic pests entering your home to put you, your family, and your pets at risk. Seasonal pest control involves regular visits by a professional exterminator who uses pesticides on your property to eliminate pests. The pesticides also create a protective barrier that keeps fleas from entering your home, and can be used to provide tick treatments that eliminate any ticks outside of your home.
Ongoing, seasonal pest control usually requires visits monthly or bimonthly depending on the risk factors of your property. When coupled with other preventative measures like flea and tick pet medications, frequent pet grooming, and strategies that keep out other wildlife, your home can stay pest free year around.
In cases where fleas or ticks have already infested your home, different pest control methods are necessary. We treat flea infestations both inside and outside of your home. Then we use pesticides and extensive cleaning to remove fleas and their eggs from your home. Ticks are also treated with modern pesticides that can eliminate them throughout a property.
Let’s Get Started – Why Choose Nextgen Pest Solutions for Your Flea and Tick Control
Keeping your home free of ticks and fleas is not only a matter of comfort, but also a safety concern. At Nextgen Pest Solutions, our customers’ safety is our top priority, both in terms of pests and our techniques. That is why we offer:
Modern, innovative pest control methods that are backed by science for effectiveness and safety.
A team of dedicated, knowledgeable exterminators, many of who are veterans of the armed forces.
Fast service with same day and next day appointments available.
Because we are also a full service pest control company, fleas and ticks are only two of the many pests we can treat. We can also assist with any insect infestation, as well as the wildlife that can bring fleas and ticks to your property. We work with all types of properties, including commercial and industrial buildings, in addition to single family homes and apartments. When you’re ready to get started, or if you have questions, contact us at (470) 336-4315. We provide round the clock support and can take your call at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
: How Much Do Flea and Tick Removal Cost?
The services to effectively control fleas and ticks at each property can vary, so we aren’t able to provide an exact price online. Instead, please give us a call. We’ll discuss your property, pest challenges, and your needs to provide your with a personalized estimate.
Are the Pesticides for Flea and Tick Removal Safe for Pets?
Yes. Many of the pesticides we use are no more dangerous than the table salt you cook with when it comes to pets as well as humans, though they are highly effective on fleas and ticks.
Can I Get Rid of Ticks Or Fleas On My Own?
Ticks are outdoor pests that will simply come back if not treated properly. Fleas are also difficult to remove once an invasion has become significant. They can lay hundreds of eggs and multiply quickly if they infest your home. Washing bedding and pet materials, pet grooming, and vacuuming is part of the flea removal process, but can miss fleas. Additionally, over the counter sprays are generally not entirely effective. It is best to call a professional exterminator if you have an infestation of fleas or ticks, as well as to use ongoing pest control to prevent them from coming back.
Do You Service HOAs, Apartments, and Businesses?
Yes, we work with any type of property including multi-family units, hotels, hospitals, retail, and restaurants for both one time and ongoing pest control. We can be discreet as needed so your customers don’t know you’re receiving pest control services.
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