Fleas and ticks are both bad news for the entire family. But you probably knew that already. They carry nasty diseases like Lyme disease and leave you with an itchy bite. What’s worse, when there is one, there are more. That you can count on. So, that is why keeping pests out of the yard and home is essential to you, your family, and your pets.
Many critters carry fleas and ticks around that are not the family dog or cat. For instance, raccoons, deer, squirrels, rabbits, skunks, foxes, rats, and mice are all hosts to fleas and ticks. And especially if you live anywhere near the wooded areas of Texas, you will want to have a pest management team on your side. That team is Tom Samples Pest Control.
All About Fleas
Fleas are a parasitic pest that feeds on the blood of humans and animals. They can jump up to a foot high, and they lay up to 18 eggs every day! Although they may only live as few as 13 days, they can last up to 12 months in the right environment.
How Do Fleas Get in the House?
Fleas are easy to bring in from the great outdoors. They thrive in warm and humid climates, like Texas. The adults will live most of their lives on host animals and will lay eggs there too. Even though they may originate from an animal in the wild, your family pet can easily pick fleas up if they drop off in the grass or bushes.
Subsequently, when the eggs drop off the family pet, the fleas will hide in rugs, upholstery, bedding, and furniture. And then, they will search to find the next host, whether human or animal.
The Problem with Fleas
If a flea or fleas get on your pet, they will be itchy for sure. You will notice them by the “sand’ like black droppings all over the pet, the scratching, hair loss, hot spots, and worse. But there are more complications than just what we see on the surface. You see, fleas consume 15 times their body weight in blood. This can cause your pet to get anemia if not treated. And anemia can be life-threatening in kittens and pups.
Besides, some pets are allergic to flea bites. That is never good. So, when fleas jump onto you or your pets, their saliva can cause an allergic reaction, skin conditions, and even parasitic tapeworms.
All About Ticks
Ticks are arachnids, just like spiders and mites. They are also parasitic and can transmit various diseases, some of which can be very dangerous. These diseases and conditions include Lyme disease, Tularemia, Heartland virus, Bourbon virus, and Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness. Most common in Texas is the lone star tick.
How Are Ticks Transmitted?
Ticks require a blood meal to survive. Therefore, they will bury their head into the animal or human and gorge themselves. And boy, can they hang on.
Ticks lie in wait in tall grasses and brush, where they attach to animals, humans, and the family pet. And then when your pet comes in, ticks will be inside the home too. Not to mention, they love the wooded areas and warm climates.
The Problem With Ticks
When a tick or ticks get on you or your furry family member, they will most likely scratch to get it off if they notice it at all. And the longer they are on, the larger they will get. Not only can they cause blood loss, anemia, and skin irritation, they can be very dangerous for some. You see, ticks can cause tick paralysis and Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can make humans very sick.
According to the ASPCA, here are the signs to look for when dealing with a tick bite and the possibility of Lyme disease.
“Clinical signs of Lyme disease include depression, swelling of the lymph nodes, loss of appetite, fever, swollen, painful joints and kidney failure.”
Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics when caught.
In addition, ticks can cause a lethal infection called Cytauxzoonosis. It is carried by bobcats and transmitted to domestic cats. And for the cats, it is fatal.
Should you locate a tick on yourself or your pet, take the following steps to get it off as soon as you find it.
- Remove the tick with tweezers making sure to get the entire tick, including the mouth.
- Disinfect the bite area and keep careful watch over the area.
- Then contact your vet or doctor if you note any redness, swelling, or symptoms that are concerning.
Always make sure your pets are on a preventative flea and tick medication so they don’t get infested, and bring them into your home. Your pest will thank you for keeping those itchy pests off them.
Preventing Flea Infestation and Controlling Ticks
The most efficient way to limit fleas and ticks is to have a plan for prevention before they ever get in the home.
Additionally, you can reduce exposure to these pests by performing the following routine tasks.
- When heading into the dense brush around your property or going hiking through the woods, take precautions. Tuck your pants into your shoes and wear long sleeves for added coverage.
- Use an EPA-approved insect and tick repellent on any exposed skin.
- Plus, make sure your pet is on flea and tick treatment before heading out with you.
- Then, before getting into your car or coming back into your home, do a check of your clothes and pets for fleas and ticks. And check again once inside. Also, make sure to check your body once you’ve gotten undressed in case you missed any.
Keeping Your Property Free of Fleas and Ticks
Here are a few things you can do at home to limit the number of fleas and ticks going in and out of your home.
- Keep all shrubbery trimmed and free of underbrush.
- Mow the lawn weekly to shoo out critters and eliminate insects in the grasses.
- Wash and vacuum pet areas often.
- Inspect any used clothing or furniture before bringing it to the home.
- Seal any possible rodent entry points to the house.
- Inspect foods and grains for rodents when bringing them into the home.
- Have all pets in the home on a vet-approved treatment plan for fleas, ticks, and tapeworms.
That said, it is best to call a pest management company in your area to enroll in a maintenance plan for Flea and tick elimination.
Tom Samples Provides Protection from Fleas and Ticks
From the moment you contact us, you will have access to the number one pest control team at your disposal through the entire process, letting you know just what to expect. Tom Samples Pest Control will not rest until the interior and exterior of your building have full pest control coverage.
Choosing a quality pest control company like Tom Samples gives you the confidence your home will be flea and tick-free in no time. We have been providing effective pest control solutions throughout the DFW Metroplex area for more than 60 years.
Our family-owned and operated business is fully equipped to effectively handle all your pest and critter control needs. And Tom Samples covers all the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Additionally, we have locations in Springtown and Midlothian for your convenience.
Ready to get started protecting your home and family from pleas, ticks, and other pests?
- Call for an inspection.
- Schedule treatment.
- Gain control over your home and yard.
- Call for peace of mind.
- Call on the friendly professional of Tom Samples Pest Control.
If you have not scheduled your pest control consultation yet, this is the time to do it. Get ahead of the seasonal bugs
and critters with Tom Samples Pest Control.