Fleas and ticks can be the most difficult pest problems to encounter, especially for your pets. These two common pests are similar in that they both prey on animals, biting them and using them as a food source, but they differ in many ways.
Fleas vs Ticks
First, fleas are insects with six legs, and while they do not have wings, they can jump incredible distances considering their small size. Ticks are not insects; they actually belong to the arachnid family and have six to eight legs. Fleas tend to make a cozy home on your pet for the duration of their two to three-month life span, while ticks jump from host to host and can live up to three years. Both of these pests are known to carry diseases such as the bubonic plague, tapeworm (fleas), Lyme Disease, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (ticks), to name a few.
What You Need to Know about Fleas & Ticks in Mooresville
Once a flea finds its way onto your pet, it begins feasting and multiplying almost immediately. Once the fleas begin to multiply, it becomes harder and harder to get rid of them completely. Fleas will lay their eggs on your pet, in your carpets, and upholstered furniture. Flea bites can be painful and itchy, but more importantly, they can cause many illnesses. Vigilant cleaning and vacuuming must occur if you want to rid your home of fleas. Remember to throw away the vacuum cleaner bags after every use, as the eggs can hatch inside the bag, and the fleas can make their way back into your home.
Ticks are less invasive inside your home, but the diseases they carry with them can be life-altering. In recent years, cases of Lyme Disease have been on the rise across the country, making it even more important to learn how to protect your family from these tiny critters. If you are bit by a tick, you must carefully remove the tick with tweezers as swiftly as possible. Carefully inspect the tick once removed and make sure it is fully intact. If any part of the tick remains under the skin or if you should develop the classic “bullseye rash,” seek medical attention.
Five Ways to Deter Fleas & Ticks From Invading Your Mooresville Home
Because fleas and ticks carry disease, it is imperative to know how to prevent these pests from invading your home for the safety of your family and pets. Ticks and fleas are both easily picked up when outdoors. Tall grass is a great place for them to hitchhike onto you or your pet. To help deter these bugs from invading your yard and eventually, your home, try the following:
- Keep lawns mowed regularly and dispose of lawn clippings immediately.
- When walking in the woods be sure to wear long pants and sleeves and bug repellent with Deet. Check yourself over when you are done and put your clothes into the wash.
- Deter wild animals from entering your yard and bringing fleas and ticks by installing fencing around the perimeter.
- Consider using topical flea and tick monthly treatments for your pets.
- Contact Lake Norman Home Services for more tips on flea and tick prevention.
Getting Rid of Fleas & Ticks Once and for All
Facing a flea infestation or tick problem can be daunting, but you don’t have to face these problems alone. Don’t waste your time and money researching and trying over-the-counter products that yield little results in ridding your home of these invasive bugs; contact Lake Norman Home Services today. Our trained specialists will evaluate the infestation and rid your home once and for all. Reach out to the experts at Lake Norman Home Services to learn more about how we can help with your flea and tick problems today!