Flea & Tick Identification

Fleas and ticks are tiny pests that plague our California yards and homes, feed on the blood of people and animals, and are extremely difficult to control. Though their food preferences and where they live are similar, fleas and ticks also have many differences.

• Fleas a type of wingless insects, and ticks are arachnids.
• Fleas have large back legs they use to jump; ticks are incapable of jumping.
• Fleas have an oval-shaped body flattened from side to side; ticks have an oval-shaped body flattened from top to bottom. 
• Ticks have a long life cycle, and can live for two to three years. Fleas have a short lifespan of only two to four months. 
• Ticks will feed on several hosts throughout their lifetime; fleas typically live and feed on one host.

Having fleas and ticks living in our yards, where we spend a lot of our time, poses a significant health risk. Both feed on blood and are capable of spreading diseases to people and animals. The spread of diseases by ticks is a considerable concern in the United States. Ticks can spread Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia.

Fleas aren’t as big of a concern in the spread of diseases, but they are well-known for causing allergic reactions and skin irritations. Many animals and people are allergic to their saliva, and their bites result in red itchy rashes. Scratching at flea bites can lead to secondary infections. Fleas are intermediate hosts of tapeworm and will spread the parasites to both people and animals.

Fleas and ticks, but primarily fleas, are associated with pet owners because cats and dogs are common hosts. But, fleas and ticks don’t discriminate; they can become a problem on any property, whether pets are present or not.

Fleas and ticks are regularly introduced into our yards by wild animals like mice, rats, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, deer, and foxes. As these animals travel, they bring fleas and ticks with them, contaminating outdoor spaces with these blood-feeding pests. When in your yard, you, your kids, and your pets are likely to come into contact with fleas and ticks and then accidentally introduce them into your home.

Another common way these pests move from place to place is by hitchhiking. Fleas live successfully indoors and often move to new locations in rugs, furniture, and bedding.

Wild animals that have decided to move inside our California houses to nest will introduce fleas and ticks with them.

Ticks will move indoors on people or pets but won’t establish large indoor populations. Most species of ticks are unable to breed indoors. On the other hand, fleas are capable of establishing populations indoors. When not feeding on a host, they will hang out in upholstered furniture, rugs, bedding, and linens.

Outside fleas and ticks gather and develop from egg to biting adults in areas that provide them with plenty of shade and moisture.

• Spaces under decks, shrubs, and bushes
• Tall grass and weeds
• Damp soil under mulch, fallen trees, and woodpiles
• Densely wooded areas
• Meadows and fields
• Vegetation next to beaches, ponds, and lakes

Whenever you spend a lot of time in outdoor spaces where fleas and ticks could be present, it is important to inspect yourself carefully in order to avoid bringing these pests inside your house.

Fleas and ticks are pests that are incredibly frustrating and difficult to deal with. They can be introduced into our Manteca yards and homes in many different ways. At Next Generation Pest Control, we will take the time to get to know you and understand your California property’s exact pest control needs, ensuring your property becomes and stays free of pests like fleas and ticks. Our customized pest control solutions are effective, safe, and will provide a long-term pest control solution. To discover more about our flea and tick control solutions, reach out to us today. Trust us to do pest control the right way!

We have put together a list of tips that you can utilize to make your property as attractive as possible to fleas and ticks.

• Fleas and ticks like to hide in areas of overgrown vegetation and tall grass. Maintain your yard to make it less inhabitable.
• Cut back grass and weeds from your foundation. 
• Remove unnecessary woodpiles, leaf piles, and brush piles from your yard that provide fleas and ticks with shady, damp hideouts.
• Keep wild animals away from your yard by removing things like bird and wild animal feeders. Make sure to keep lids on trash cans and compost bins.
• Seal spaces in your home’s exterior that rodents and other animals could enter your house through.