Fleas & Ticks

Fleas are tiny, with flat bodies, reddish-brown coloring, and long legs that end in claws. They are nearly impossible to distinguish without a microscope.

Ticks are not as small as fleas, and they vary in size depending on the species and how old they are. Before feeding, ticks have a flat body, but they will swell and grow larger after a meal.

Neither fleas nor ticks have wings. Fleas use their powerful legs to jump onto hosts, sticking to fur or hair with the bristles covering their bodies. On the other hand, ticks can't jump, so instead, they fall onto a passing host, usually from tall grass or other foliage.

Although smaller than most other pests, fleas and ticks are dangerous to people and animals. Fleas are responsible for spreading cat-scratch fever, typhus, heartworm, plague, and more. While ticks are vectors of Lyme disease, tularemia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and more.

Not only do they spread diseases, but dealing with fleas and ticks will cause emotional stress for people and pets. High-stress levels can affect and cause other health concerns.

There are several reasons you may have a flea and tick problem, with the most common being issues with rodents, birds, or wildlife. These animals are regular carriers of fleas and ticks, so they can bring these parasites into your yard or home if they get inside.

Once in your yard, fleas and ticks can latch on to other hosts like children and pets.

Most people don't realize they have a flea or tick problem until they see these pests inside. However, they can be living in high populations in your yard where a pet or child can pick them up.

Areas of your yard where you may find these pests will be damp and shaded areas, like tall grass and under foliage.

Getting rid of fleas and ticks can be challenging for several reasons, including the way they infest, and the best way to keep these pests under control is with professional assistance.

Otho's Pest Management can help Asheboro residents keep fleas and ticks out of their yard, protecting families and pets from the dangers of these pests.

Give us a call at Otho's Pest Management to hear more about our home pest control options in Asheboro, and how our technicians can eliminate flea and tick populations.

If you want to keep fleas and ticks from living in your yard, you can use these tips to make your property less attractive to these pests and the animals that carry them:

• Repair any damaged fencing or install new fencing to keep wildlife out.

• Keep garbage cans closed and use ones that cannot fall over easily.

• Regularly mow the lawn, trim bushes and shrubbery, and perform other necessary yard maintenance.

• Remove bird feeders and other potential food sources. 

• Ensure there are no ways for wildlife or rodents to get inside your home.

It is always good to check children and pets for fleas and ticks when they come inside from your yard, especially if you have had issues with these pests in the past.

If you need more assistance with flea and tick prevention in Asheboro, call Otho's Pest Management.