Fleas and ticks are two completely different species of pest, but they do have many similarities in the way they infest Tulsa homes and the problems that they cause. They are also two pests that people have many misconceptions about.
First of all, fleas are an extremely small biting insect that hitches a ride on animals. They don’t live on people, but they do bite us. Another misconception is that they are only a concern for people with pets, but in reality, even households without pests can have flea problems.
This is what fleas look like:
- They are a red-brown color.
- They are so tiny they often just look like small red or brown dots on carpets or animal fur.
- They are long, oval-shaped, with powerful back legs for jumping.
Secondly, ticks are another biting pest that becomes an issue for both humans and animals. Unlike fleas, ticks can hitch a ride on humans, too. One misconception about ticks is that they are too small to be seen by the human eye, but this isn’t true of all ticks. Depending on their stage of life ticks can vary in size from a tiny speck to about the size of an apple seed. Here is what they look like:
- They can be a range of colors from yellow to brown to black.
- They have flat bodies except after they’ve just eaten.
- Their heads are quite small in proportion to their bodies.
What Are The Risks Of Fleas And Ticks?
While fleas and ticks have some similarities, their infestations begin in different ways. Flea infestations commonly start when pets get infected, but they are also sometimes brought into homes through secondhand clothing and furniture. Ticks are either brought in by pets or wildlife or picked up by humans when spending time outdoors.
No matter how you get fleas or ticks, the risks of these pets can’t be underestimated. Here are some of the reasons that ticks and fleas are dangerous pests:
- Ticks can transmit many illnesses such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Flea infestations can cause anemia.
- Fleas can also spread diseases including the Bubonic Plague in rare cases.
- Some fleas can also spread parasites.
- Fleas can cause allergic reactions and asthma attacks.
How Can You Prevent Ticks?
There are many health concerns you’ll have to worry about if you get bitten by ticks or fleas, so taking steps to prevent them is often the best way to keep yourself and your family safe. We’ve compiled a list of the simplest ways to keep ticks and fleas off of your property and also how to protect yourself when outside.
- Get help from your vet to protect your pets using collars and medications.
- Keep your yard free of debris, clutter, and decaying organic matter.
- Prevent wildlife by installing fences, keeping bird feeders out of reach, and storing pet food inside.
- If spending time in the wilderness, wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants, and stay on trails away from dense vegetation.
- Mow your lawn regularly.
- Vacuum and declutter around your home regularly.
- Make sure that second-hand clothes and furniture aren’t already infested.
- Get help from pest control professionals.
Get Help With Flea And Tick Problems
Since both of these pests can cause health problems, including some serious illnesses, for humans and pets, it’s important to protect your Tulsa yard. The best way to prevent and eliminate fleas and ticks is to get help from the professionals at Montgomery Exterminating. We’ve been serving the Tulsa area for over 30 years, and we are committed to providing affordable, effective pest control. To learn more, or get a free estimate, reach out to us today.
