Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks usually get into the house on pets.

However, if you spend a lot of time outside in the warmer Hampton Roads months, especially if you like to walk your pet or hike in woods, you will most likely have encountered fleas and ticks that came off of other wildlife.  

While they prefer hairy animals such as dogs, cats, rodents, and squirrels, fleas and ticks will also feed on humans if the opportunity presents itself.

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Fleas

Fleas are very small insects (1/6-1/12th of an inch in length) that feed on the blood of animals. They are reddish-brown in color, becoming reddish-black and larger after feeding.

Fleas have a flat, hard body and six legs. Their hind-legs are powerful, and fleas can jump an impressive eight-inch vertically from the ground.

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Ticks

Ticks vary in color and size based on the species, and are most often found in wooded and highly vegetated areas.

Adult ticks climb up low vegetation and grasp onto any passing host, where they find a spot to latch on and puncture the skin to feed. It is always advisable to inspect yourself and your pet thoroughly when returning from outdoors.

If ticks are attached to your skin, they should be grasped behind the head with tweezers and pulled slowly away from the skin.

It is not safe to crush the tick, as that can release bacteria or diseases into the puncture wound. The head should be removed as well and the wound thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

If you think your home or business has a flea infestation, it is time to call John Edwards Pest Control immediately to deal with these pests.

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