Fleas and ticks are external parasites that latch onto the skin of their hosts, which includes both humans and animals, to feed on their bood. Known for their prolific bleeding, they can rapidly infest yards and homes.
Fleas and ticks both attach themselves to the outside of their hosts (people and animals) to feed. These pests are prolific breeders and can take over yards and homes in the blink of an eye.
Fleas are tiny insects that are often confused for specks of dirt.
Their large back legs provide them with the great jumping ability they are known for. Fleas prefer to feed on the blood of animals, and while they will also feed on people, we are not their first choice.
Ticks are a type of arachnid and therefore have eight legs. Ticks are wingless and do not jump. They will attach themselves to and feed on any person or animal host that brushes past them. Fleas can cause many problems in your home & yard.
Characteristics of Fleas and Ticks:
Fleas:
These tiny insects can be mistaken for specks of dirt. They have large hind legs that enable impressive jumping capabilities. Though they primarily feed on animal blood, they will bite humans if no preferable hosts are available.
Ticks:
As arachnids, ticks have eight legs and are wingless. They do not jump but will latch onto any passing host. Ticks can become significant pests in homes and yards, posing health risks
Are Fleas & Ticks Dangerous?
Yes, both fleas and ticks are dangerous because of the diseases and allergic reactions they can cause. Flea bites often lead to severe dermatitis and can cause anemia in pets from excessive blood loss. They can also transmit tapeworms. Ticks are known carriers of serious illnesses such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and other infections, making them particularly hazardous to humans and pets.
Why Do I Have a Flea & Tick Problem?
Fleas and ticks typically enter yards hitching rides on wild animals like rodents, deer, or domestic pets. While ticks don’t often become an indoor issue as most species can’t reproduce indoors, fleas can thrive and multiply inside homes, making them a persistent problem once established.
Where Will I Find Fleas & Ticks?
Ticks are usually found in grassy or wooded areas, waiting on the ground or vegetation to attach to a host. Common tick habitats include trail edges, underbrush, and other undisturbed areas.
Fleas develop from eggs laid on animal hosts but live in the environment such as tall grass, leaf piles, or under decks during their pre-adult stages, making outdoor spaces like yards, parks, and fields common infestation sites.
How Do I Get Rid of Fleas & Ticks?
Fleas and ticks are challenging to eliminate due to their resilient nature and rapid breeding. If you are dealing with an infestation in your Oklahoma home or business, Gold Star Pest Solutions can offer effective, professional control services to manage these pests and prevent future problems.
How Can I Prevent Fleas & Ticks in the Future?
Pet Care:
Keep pets on year-round flea and tick preventatives as recommended by a veterinarian.
Home Maintenance:
Regularly vacuum areas frequented by pets and maintain a tidy yard by mowing the lawn and trimming bushes.Wildlife Control: Discourage wildlife hosts by securing trash cans, removing food sources, and clearing yard debris.
Personal Protection:
Wear protective clothing and stay towards the center of trails when in wooded or grassy areas.
For more information on our flea and tick control services, or to start protecting your property today, contact Gold Star Pest Solutions. We are dedicated to helping you maintain a flea and tick-free environment for your residential or commercial property.
Need an inspection, quote, or have general questions? Contact us and we will respond to you as soon as possible!
