Heather Mellinger Fleas and ticks, the pets that can cause extreme discomfort for your pet—and you—are back in season. We’re here to help prevent these creepy crawlies (and the diseases they can spread) from buzzing around you and your pets.
Where do fleas and ticks come from?
There are approximately 80 tick species found in the United States, but only a few of them are actually dangerous to humans and animals: the brown dog tick, the deer tick, and the American dog tick.
Fun (and yucky) fact: The brown dog tick is the only species that can complete its entire lifecycle on a dog.
Ticks thrive in moist, humid, woody environments, making forests the perfect breeding ground. They are most prevalent in the early spring and late fall, although some tick species are well adapted to temperature extremes and can be found any time of year. They tend to prefer dark, moist, brushy places to lay their eggs.
Fleas are prevalent throughout the United States and prefer warm, humid conditions, so infestations are typically the worst during mid to late summer and early fall. In some parts of the country, they can be a significant problem year round.
One of the dangers of fleas is flea allergy dermatitis (FAD), which is a severe allergic reaction to flea bites. FAD can make pets miserable with itchy and inflamed skin. Fleas can also play a role in transmitting parasites, such as tapeworms, and bacterial diseases to humans.
Ticks bites can be painful and irritating, but the real concern is the number of serious diseases they can transmit, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
How Do I Prevent These Pests?
All-Natural Tick & Insect Repellents
Prevention is key when it comes to fleas and ticks, because they can be very difficult to get rid of after you or your pet has been exposed. Try to avoid “tick habitat” areas, like dense woods or tall grass. You can also create tick-free zones in your yard by keeping grass short and bushes cut back.
Ticks like moist areas, so remove leaf litter from around your house. Our top tip? Spray a flea and tick repellent on before heading outside. Tick-‘N-All is made with natural ingredients like castor oil and rosemary, and it comes in formulations for cats, dogs, and people.
How Do I Get Rid Of Fleas and Ticks?
Tick Removal Tool
Once an infestation is established, fleas can be very difficult to get rid of. You may need to treat your pet repeatedly, and vacuuming rugs, throwing out old pet bedding, and laundering other items is recommended.
If you find a tick, removing all of it can be tricky. The TickEase tick removal tool was designed by a tick expert to remove the entire pest in a quick, pain-free way.
When it comes to ticks and flea control, awareness is key. It is always easier to take precautions and prevent them, than have to get rid of them. As pest season approaches, make sure to take the steps needed to protect yourself and your pet.
