We can all agree that blood is a valuable commodity. So valuable that without it, no human on the planet would be able to survive. Thankfully, our bodies produce blood regularly and in large enough quantities that we are even able to give some away and still be happy and healthy. Of course, you wouldn’t just give your blood away to anyone. Most of the time, it is donated to save lives. The question is, what happens when your blood isn’t saving lives but instead feeding pests? We are, of course, talking about fleas and ticks. What should you do to fight back against these pests? Here is our secret to effectively dealing with fleas and ticks around your Columbus property.
A Bit About Fleas and Ticks
Although both fleas and ticks survive on blood, they are by no means the same creature. Ticks are generally twice the size of fleas and a lot less mobile than fleas, making getting on their prey a bit more complicated. Ticks often cling to the top of a piece of tall grass and extended their front legs waiting for their prey to stroll past. If no living creature brushes up against where they are perched all day, they don’t eat.
Fleas have less trouble getting onto a host, mainly due to their strong legs, which they use to jump far distances. Fleas will wait in grass, bushes, and other greenery for furry animals to roam by outside. Once a host is close enough, fleas will jump aboard and burrow themselves into their fur. From here, fleas will lay eggs and feed.
One big difference between fleas and ticks is that fleas spend most of their lives on a host while ticks spend most of their time off. When fleas settle onto a pet, they stay for as long as possible, feeding and laying eggs. Ticks, on the other hand, are just looking for a quick meal. Once they have eaten all they can, they will detach and fall back to the ground.
Flea and Tick Problems
One of the biggest things fleas and ticks share in common are the problems they cause. Both are known for invading and causing trouble around homes, both are extremely difficult to get rid of, and both spread several dangerous diseases. Here are just a few of the most common diseases fleas, and ticks transmit.
- Bubonic Plague (Fleas)
- Murine typhus (Fleas)
- Tularemia (Fleas)
- Lyme disease (Ticks)
- Babesiosis (Ticks)
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever (Ticks)
How To Prevent Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are not easy pests to entirely prevent; however, some things can help reduce their populations around properties. Here are a few of the most effective prevention tips our experts recommend.
- Keep your grass cut short and your landscaping well maintained.
- Remove leaves and eliminate overgrowth around your yard.
- Reduce clutter around your property.
- Invest in flea and tick prevention for your pets.
- Clean your pet’s bedding at least once a week.
- Check your body for ticks before coming in from outdoors.
- Avoid walking through tall grass.
The Number One Way To Deal With Fleas and Ticks
If fleas and ticks have taken residence inside your home, or you are looking for a more straightforward solution to keep them out, we have your answer here at 1st Response Pest Management. Our team of highly trained pest technicians has what it takes to effectively and reliably control pest problems around your Columbus home.