Get The Facts About Fleas And Ticks

If you are planning on spending a fair amount of time outdoors this summer or if you are a pet owner you should prepare for the potential encounter with fleas and ticks.  While mostly considered nuisance pests, fleas and ticks are not only a danger to pets, they may pose serious health risks to people as well.  In Michigan, Ohio and throughout the Midwest, the Cat Flea and the American Dog Tick are cause for concern.

While there are many types of fleas, the most prevalent in our area are Cat Fleas.  Adults of this species are about 1/8 of an inch long and range in color from brownish black to black, unless they are full of blood. In that case they appear reddish black.  As the name suggests a cat flea’s primary host is a cat, however they are also found on dogs and wild animals including foxes. They enter homes and buildings where pets are present but also where pets may not live.  Fleas are also great jumpers and can enter on people’s shoes and clothes.  Flea bites may lead to pet hair loss from constant scratching, flea allergy dermatitis which is an allergic reaction to the proteins in flea saliva and anemia or even death.  They are also hosts of tapeworm that can infest indoor pets and sometimes even humans.

As one of the most frequently encountered ticks the American Dog Tick is about 3/16-inch long and reddish brown in color when unfed.  Also known as the wood tick, an adult will feed on the blood of medium to large animals such as dogs and raccoons as well as on people.  Though they cannot jump they are likely to be met in wooded or overgrown areas as well as places that are humid.  They can also be found on manicured lawns as they drop off host animals that have wandered across.  While the American Dog Tick is a vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and may cause Tularemia, it does not transmit Lyme disease like the Black-Legged tick.  

When it comes to fleas and ticks being proactive is a much better strategy than dealing with them once they’ve established themselves in your home.   While you can’t completely eliminate your risk of exposure you can minimize it.  Here are some helpful tips to prevent fleas and ticks from entering your home or lingering on your property this summer;

• Mow your lawn frequently to reduce the humidity at ground level.  Aim for a grass height of 3 inches or less
• Remove brush and weeds to make your lawn less inviting to ticks and their hosts
• Don’t feed wildlife and consider fencing to keep larger wildlife and your neighbors’ pets out
• Inspect your pets for fleas and “flea dirt” regularly.  Before you apply any flea treatments or use any flea and tick products on your pets consult your veterinarian.  
• Wash your pet bedding frequently
• Vacuum or clean areas such as carpet and furniture where pets rest to get rid of immature fleas

If you have plans for a camping trip, hiking or simply want to enjoy time outdoors do so with these recommendations in mind.  Wear light colored clothing that show ticks well, stay on paths to avoid picking up ticks and inspect yourself, your family and your pets after venturing into areas that may expose you to these pests.

Although you cannot fully prevent fleas and ticks from entering your home or residing on your property you can minimize your risk.  At Rose Pest Solutions we encourage you to make the most of your summer while being mindful of the pests that are active during this season.  Whether you live in Cincinnati, Columbus or elsewhere in our service area and have questions about fleas and ticks, please contact us.