Fleas and ticks are two of the most dangerous pests on Long Island. While both parasites are small, they can cause significant damage to you or your loved ones. If you want to protect yourself from stress and diseases, you need to take certain measures to keep these pests away. Find out the trick to keeping fleas and ticks from your property.
What Are Fleas And Ticks?
It's hard to discuss fleas and ticks together because both pests are extremely different. While ticks have oval shapes and eight legs, fleas are flat insects with three sets of legs. Fleas are often brown, but ticks come in a variety of colors.
Both pests rely on humans and animal blood to survive, but they do so in unique ways. Ticks aren't very mobile and sit around on brush as they wait for a new host to come by. However, fleas can jump at impressive heights. If an animal host brings fleas into your home, they will jump off and end up on your carpet or you.
Even how fleas and ticks eat is different. Fleas bite you and leave you with multiple small and itchy bumps, then wait to get hungry again. They're rapid reproducers and cause large infestations. However, when a tick bites you, it latches into your skin. It feeds until it's swollen and then drops off. Ticks don't cause infestations in homes, but they do feed again.
The Problem With Fleas And Ticks
Fleas and ticks share one terrifying trait - they can transmit diseases to humans. While not all fleas and ticks carry diseases, many of them do. In Long Island, ticks are notorious for spreading Lyme disease. Fleas can transmit the plague and tularemia.
If you have allergies, fleas can be even more of a problem. Flea feces can trigger asthma, and some individuals develop reactions to flea saliva. In any case, your health may suffer.
Typically, flea and tick Infestations start the same way. An animal host brings them into your yard. If you have pets, they could be responsible for your pest problems. But the local wildlife could also be to blame. Squirrels, rats, and mice could bring fleas or ticks onto your property and into your home. Unless you keep other pests away, you could have both fleas and ticks in your yard.
The Key To Keeping Fleas And Ticks Away
On your own, you don't stand much of a chance to deter these harmful pests. However, there are a few simple things you can do to make an encounter less likely.
- Clean Debris Piles: Wildlife pests in Long Island often seek out piles of leaf litter and grass clippings. If you leave junk, leaves, and other debris in your yard, you're likely to have an issue with squirrels and rats. Clean your yard regularly to keep out these pests and the fleas and ticks on them.
- Use Flea And Tick Preventative On Pets: You can ensure your cat or dog doesn't bring fleas and ticks into your home by working with your veterinarian. They should be able to recommend a reliable chewable or collar designed to keep fleas and ticks away.
- Wear Long Pants And Sleeves: When you're outside of your yard, you could bring home fleas or ticks. Keep yourself safe by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Additionally, use a reliable bug spray.
Work With An Expert
The only effective way to keep fleas and ticks away from your Long Island property is ongoing home pest control assistance. Here at Parkway Pest Services, we provide just that. Our experts have years of experience and use the latest methods to deter unwanted ticks and other pests. Call us now to learn more.