Fleas and ticks are some of the most dangerous parasites that can affect your beloved pets — and your family.

Despite their tiny size, fleas, and ticks can be challenging to eliminate once they’ve taken up residence in your home. It’s not impossible if you work proactively and partner with professionals.

In this guide, we break down the common causes of flea and tick infestations, discuss how a pest control company gets rid of them, and address other critical issues to help you keep your home pest free.

Fleas vs. Ticks: What’s the Difference?

You've likely heard of fleas and ticks, even if you’re not a pet parent. Do you know what these creatures are, though, or what characteristics differentiate them from each other?

Here are some key traits to keep in mind: 

• Fleas: Fleas are small insects. They feed on animal or human blood, and their bites cause pain, itchiness, and skin irritation. They can also carry and spread germs associated with several diseases, including flea-borne typhus, plague, and cat scratch disease.
• Ticks: Ticks are tiny arachnids that, like fleas, feed on mammal blood (including human blood). Tick bites cause itchiness, swelling, bruising, or blistering. Their bites are also associated with conditions like Lyme disease.

Both fleas and ticks are prevalent throughout the United States, including in Texas. Their bites most commonly show up during the summer, but they can affect humans and animals at any time of the year.

Most Common Flea and Tick Species in Texas

Several types of flea and tick species are common in Texas, including those described below:

• Cat fleas: Cat fleas are the most common fleas in the U.S. (including in Texas). They range in color from light reddish-brown to dark brown and are most frequently found on cats (but they also show up on foxes, dogs, rats, possums, and mongooses).
• Dog fleas: Dog fleas primarily appear on dogs, cats, and humans. They have a brownish-black color but turn reddish-black after consuming blood.
• Human fleas: Human fleas (or house fleas) prefer humans as hosts, but they also feed on pigs, cats, rats, and wild boars. They have a reddish-brown or rust color.
• American dog ticks: American dog ticks are large, brownish ticks characterized by whitish-gray or yellow markings. They feed on various animals and people, but domestic dogs are their favorite hosts.
• Deer ticks: Deer ticks (also known as black-legged ticks) are dark brown with darker-colored legs. They prefer deer but will also feed on other animals and people if needed.
• Brown dog ticks: Brown dog ticks are reddish-brown fleas. They rarely feed on human blood, but they will if no other hosts are available.
• Lonestar ticks: Lonestar ticks are also reddish-brown with either one white spot on their backs (in females) or multiple white spots (in males). They feed on the blood of large mammals like humans, deer, and dogs.

If you’re experiencing a flea or tick issue, you will likely experience itchiness, redness, pain, or swelling at the bite site.

You may also notice that your pets are itchier than usual or losing hair in areas they scratch frequently. In some cases, if you look closely, you can see fleas or ticks on their skin.  

Causes of Flea Infestations

Fleas often find their way into your home through your pets. They may hop onto your dog or cat’s fur from another animal or from infested dirt or outdoor plants.

Once fleas reproduce, they will fest your home, taking up residence in areas like floor cracks, furniture, and bedding. Pets can quickly transfer fleas to the carpet when they lie down because fleas tend to stay on animals’ underbelly.

Flea activity typically slows down in the winter and is most common during the summer. Fleas thrive in warm, moist environments (that’s why they’re so common in Texas because of its hot and humid climate).

Causes of Tick Infestations

Ticks can attach themselves to humans or animals. They often stick to the groin, underarms, inner ears, belly button, or behind the knee. They may attach to the scalp as well. 

Ticks frequently attach to pets as well, especially dogs. They latch onto the dog’s skin and hide in their fur, making them difficult to spot.

What to Do About a Flea or Tick Infestation

If you notice signs of a flea or tick problem, you should contact a pest control company right away. They will treat your home to eliminate lingering fleas and ticks. They can also offer preventative treatment to reduce the risk of future infestations. 

It’s also vital that you contact a doctor (for human bites) or a veterinarian (for animal bites). A medical professional will prescribe treatment to treat the symptoms of the bite and help you (or your pets) recover as quickly as possible.

How Does a Pest Control Company Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks?

If you’re dealing with fleas or ticks, a pest control company will come to your home and inspect the property to look for signs of an infestation (such as droppings, eggs, etc.).

After their inspection, the pest control team will offer an initial treatment to eliminate the active infestation. A few weeks later, they’ll return to perform a follow-up treatment, which will eliminate any newly hatched juvenile or adult fleas and ticks.

The two-part treatment process is very efficient. However, it does require some preparation from the pest control team and a temporary vacancy (which lasts a few hours) to ensure the solution dries appropriately and has the desired effect.

How to Prepare for Pest Control Treatment

Before the pest control team arrives to treat your home, you can take steps to make their job easier and help their treatment be more effective. The following are some essential pre-treatment practices: 

• Wash all pet bedding in hot water
• Vacuum carpets thoroughly
• Mod wood and tile floors (including inside closets or along the walls)
• Vacuum furniture (including spaces between and under cushions)
• Dispose of all vacuum cleaner bags (put them in an outdoor trash container with a tight lid)
• If your vacuum has a reusable bag, empty its contents outside the home and wash the bag in hot water.
• Cover fish tanks with wet towels to turn off pumps to protect fish while your home is treated.
• Pick up toys and other items off the floor to prevent them from being affected by insecticides/treatment solutions.
• Strip bed linens and wash them in hot water
• Cover all open food products and store them in cupboards (along with all dishes and utensils)

If your home’s exterior is being treated, pick up all toys in the yard to protect them from pest control solutions.

What to Do After Pest Control Treatment

When you re-enter the home after treatment, wait at least two weeks before cleaning the carpets or floors. This waiting period ensures the treatment solution has time to do its job.

The technician will likely shut the air system off, along with the stove’s pilot lot, during treatment. Turn the system back on and relight the pilot light when you return.

How to Prevent Future Flea and Tick Problems

Regular pest control treatments are critical to keeping your home flea and tick-free long-term. After the second treatment, when your home has been declared flea or tick-free, talk to the pest control company about ongoing maintenance treatments.

Monthly preventative treatments are less invasive and take less time. However, they still do an excellent job of protecting your home and loved ones from future bites.

Along with regular preventative treatments, you can take these additional steps to prevent future flea or tick infestations:

• Mow your lawn and sweep your property regularly
• Vacuum and mop the floors regularly
• Check your pets regularly for signs of fleas and ticks
• Talk to your veterinarian about preventative treatments for dogs and cats (these medications reduce their risk of experiencing flea and tick bites)
• Avoid old/expired flea and tick products

Protect yourself from tick bites when outdoors — especially when hiking or camping. Wearing long sleeves, long socks, etc., will reduce your risk of being bitten.

Invest in Green Pest Control Today

Flea and tick infestations can cause serious health issues for you and your loved ones — including your furry friends. 

If you notice signs of fleas or ticks, you must act immediately and contact a pest control company. They will get right to work rectifying the issue and preventing future flea and tick problems. 

Do you need help from experienced, eco-friendly pest control professionals in Houston or Austin?
If so, we’re here to help at Natran Green Pest Control. Contact us today to learn more about our services or request our assistance.