Flea and Tick Identification & Prevention

Although different species, fleas (insects) and ticks (arachnids) have some things in common. Both fleas and ticks feed on the blood of mammals as their sole source of nutrition, can take over outdoor spaces, and pose a health risk to people and animals.

The most common type of flea in our region is the cat flea. These fleas are widespread and, despite their name, feed on a wide variety of animal hosts, including dogs, cats, rodents, raccoons, skunks, deer, and other wildlife.

Our area of Pennsylvania is home to many species of ticks, including Asian longhorn ticks, lone star ticks, deer ticks, and dog ticks. Like fleas, ticks feed on various animal hosts and thrive in Collegeville's outdoor spaces.

Both fleas and ticks are blood-feeding pests capable of spreading pathogens through their feeding process that can make people ill. In addition, the bites fleas and ticks deliver can allow bacteria into your body that cause secondary infections. 

Ticks are well-known for spreading serious diseases, including Lyme disease. Flea bites are incredibly itchy, and these pests can spread parasitic tapeworms to people and animals. Flea and tick bites can also trigger serious allergic reactions in some people. 

Avoiding as much contact with fleas and ticks is always best for the health and safety of you, your kids, and your pets.

Wildlife are the most common culprits that bring fleas and ticks to your yard. Fleas and ticks live and feed on the backs of animal hosts; as their hosts move across lawns, through wooded areas, and in and out of our homes, they bring these parasites with them. Once in your yard, they will remain there until they find a new host to attach themselves to, like you, a pet, or another wild animal. 

We often find ticks in our yards because they like to climb to the top of pieces of grass and other vegetation to access their hosts. 

Ticks will wait for a host to brush past them that they can climb onto, attach themselves to, and use as a food source. Once full, the tick will drop to the ground, digest its meal, and climb to the top of another piece of vegetation when ready to feed again. 

In addition to our yards, you are likely to come into contact with ticks in wooded areas, fields, meadows, and anywhere else there is a lot of animal activity. Most ticks are outdoor pests and can't complete their life cycle indoors.

Adult fleas spend most of their adult lives on the backs of their animal hosts, feeding and breeding. After a female lays eggs, the eggs will roll off their host's back and onto the ground below, developing into new biting fleas.

People unintentionally introduce fleas into their homes on their clothing and secondhand rugs and furniture acquired from a home with an active flea infestation. If you are a pet owner, your pets coming indoors after being in a flea-rich area can also be the root cause of a flea infestation. Fleas can successfully breed indoors and have the ability to take over your home if left untreated. 

Manage flea and tick populations on your Collegeville property with the help of the local pest control professionals at Terra Pest Management Specialists. We will provide regular treatments to your property from April through September or October using premium products. By working together, we can significantly reduce the presence of these blood-feeding pests on your property and help you and your pets avoid being their next meal. Reach out today to learn more about our ongoing or one-time flea and tick control services!

One of the best steps you can take to reduce fleas and ticks on your Collegeville property is to make your yard less attractive to wild animal hosts. 

• Keep lids on trash cans and compost bins.
• Remove bird feeders and other wildlife feeders.
• Get rid of yard debris and other clutter that could provide harborage spots for fleas and ticks. 
• Eliminate standing water to remove potential water sources. 

If you are tired of sharing your Collegeville property with fleas and ticks, turn to the experts at Terra Pest Management Specialists.