Fleas and ticks are bloodsucking parasites that can cause various diseases in humans and animals. This means that whenever you notice them in your house, it’s essential to take immediate action by contacting a professional pest control service like our team at Pied Piper Pest Control! We have years of experience providing pest control services to the Greater New Orleans area!
Continue reading below to learn about some of the differences between fleas & ticks and how you can identify them.
Flea Characteristics
Fleas are wingless, bloodsucking insects that reside on the hair and skin of their hosts. Adult fleas require warm-blooded hosts to survive and reproduce. Fleas are the most prevalent ectoparasites seen on cats and dogs, making them a typical home pest. After feeding on their host, they usually leave a swollen, raised mark on the body; therefore, you can easily notice that a flea has been feeding on your pet.
Tick Characteristics
Ticks are technically not insects – they’re arachnids (animals with eight legs), just like a spider. Even though ticks are larger in size compared to fleas, they’re still not easy to spot with your naked eye. This is because they are known to have a body color similar to the skin of their host, which can be dogs, cats, humans, and more. Ticks can carry infections like Lyme disease, leaving you with a bullseye-like rash. Ticks can be found all across the world, although they prefer damp and forested environments.
Differences Between Fleas and Ticks
While fleas and ticks can both be dangerous pests to pets and humans, they’re different in a number of ways. A flea is a six-legged, wingless bug that can jump. On the other hand, ticks are arachnids, which means they have eight legs and are closely related to spiders.
Fleas have a higher chance of infesting your home. They reproduce quickly, resulting in large numbers in a short time, infesting your clothing, furniture, and carpets before you know it. Ticks usually wait for their host to walk by, then cling to them.
Fleas can trigger skin problems like allergic flea dermatitis and can also transmit tapeworms. Infected ticks can spread diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and Lyme disease, which can be fatal in some circumstances. Whether you’re having a flea problem or a tick problem, it’s essential to rid your home of the pests as soon as possible!
Contact Pied Piper Pest Control!
If you believe that you have a flea or tick problem in the Greater New Orleans area, Pied Piper Pest Control has the solution for you! Our pest control experts have years of experience exterminating fleas and ticks while ensuring they won’t come back! Contact us today by giving us a call at (504) 366-1333 or by filling out the contact form on our website!