Fleas And Ticks

What are fleas & ticks?

Though fleas and ticks in Cedar Park are two completely different pests, they both regularly find their way into our Texas yards and often our homes.

Fleas are small, wingless insects that use their powerful back legs to jump. They have an oval body that is flattened from side to side. Adult fleas live in the fur of their animal hosts, feeding and breeding. They are prolific breeders and can infest houses and their animal hosts in large numbers. 

Ticks are not insects; they are a type of arachnid. These arachnids don’t live full-time on their hosts; they feed for several days and then drop to the ground to digest their meals. Adult ticks have oval bodies and eight legs and are usually dark brown or black. After feeding on their host’s blood, their bodies grow in a balloon-like manner. Ticks have a four-stage lifecycle; at each new life stage, the tick will require a blood meal from a new host. 

Are fleas & ticks dangerous?

Sharing your property with fleas and ticks is not just unpleasant but dangerous. Both spread disease to people and animals. In our region, ticks pose the most significant health risk. They spread diseases like Lyme disease, tularemia, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Fleas are associated with flea-borne typhus and plague. However, the biggest concern with fleas is their bites. Most people and animals will experience an allergic reaction to their saliva and develop an itchy rash around the bite sites. A person or animal excessively scratching at flea bites can create a secondary infection. 

Because fleas and ticks are known to be a danger when they are in our yards, it causes worry. No one can feel at ease in their outdoor space when they constantly worry about themselves, their kids, or their pets being bitten by these blood-feeding, potentially disease-ridden pests.

Why do I have a flea & tick problem?

Fleas and ticks are parasites and typically move from place to place with the help of their animal hosts. Favorite hosts include deer, skunks, foxes, porcupines, and rodents.

If fleas and ticks have become a problem on your property, it is most likely because you have a problem with rodents and other wildlife on or near your property. Often, yards located near wooded areas, meadows, and crop fields experience issues with these pests. 

However, it is essential to understand that these pests can overrun any property. Rodents like rats, mice, and squirrels are common household pests regularly infested with fleas and ticks. Whether your home is in the country, suburbs, or city, fleas and ticks can become a problem for you and your family. 

Where will I find fleas & ticks?

You are most likely to come into contact with fleas and ticks in outdoor spaces, usually wherever there is a lot of animal activity. Fleas regularly move into our homes from the outdoors, usually on the backs of your pets, rodents, or the clothing of you or your kids. Once inside, fleas quickly multiply and, before finding their way onto a host, will infest carpets, upholstered furniture, bedding, and stored clothing. 

Ticks are typically more of an issue outside in our yards. They like to hang out in areas of dense vegetation and tall grass along fences and walkways. Most types of ticks in Cedar Park cannot complete their reproductive cycle indoors. If you spot a tick in your home, it is likely a stray tick that has dropped off you or a pet.

How do I get rid of fleas & ticks?

The best way to control these biting, blood-feeding fleas and ticks is through regular pest control services. At Lakeline Pest Control, we understand how frustrating fleas and ticks can be and will work with you to develop a plan of action unique to your specific pest problem. Our professionals live in the communities we serve and understand the individual needs of homeowners in Texas. Please speak with one of our friendly experts today for helpful information about our flea and tick control options.

How can I prevent fleas & ticks in the future?

Use the following tips to help prevent large-scale problems with fleas and ticks in the future:

• Use fences to keep larger wildlife and stray pets out of your yard.
• Maintain your yard by keeping the grass cut short, removing leaf piles, and keeping shrubs and bushes well-pruned. 
• Regularly vacuum your home to pick up stray fleas and ticks. 
• Inspect yourself and your pets for fleas and ticks before coming inside after spending time outside. 
• Place your pets on a year-round flea and tick preventive program.

In addition to these tips, implementing a professional flea and tick control program is vital. Call today to learn more about flea and tick control in Cedar Park.