Many pet owners experience fear and stress during flea and tick season. But fleas and ticks are not simply a problem for our pets; these parasites are deadly to all mammals, including humans. Check out this web page for the most relevant facts concerning fleas, ticks, and their associated risks.
Flea and ticks behavior
Ticks and fleas are both blood-feeding parasites. These pests prefer to live in long, thick grass and woodland environments. Both bugs are notorious for their itchy bites and the mayhem they can cause.
Fleas frequently ride on dogs and will dwell anywhere, even your home. Adult fleas deposit eggs on their hosts, and larvae hatch quickly. Flea eggs can hatch in a few weeks, and an infestation can quickly become uncontrollable. Indoor tick infestations are rare, but they can occur if you bring them inside on your clothing or if they hitchhike on your cat or dog. Infestations like this are not only inconvenient but also dangerous.
How do pets pick up fleas and ticks?
Cats and dogs are susceptible to parasites such as fleas and ticks. They often pick them up when passing by bushes and shrubs or lying in the grass. They can also catch them from other cats and dogs in shelters, dog parks, groomers, and kennels.
The dangers of fleas and ticks
Humans are not the preferred food source for fleas and ticks, but parasites that latch on to people can cause serious health issues. Ticks can transmit various diseases to their hosts, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and alpha-gal syndrome. Fleas are not known to carry as many diseases, although they can act as disease vectors and parasite carriers.
They can also leave venomous bites that are annoying and painful at worst. Tick and flea bites, like any wounds, may grow infected if not treated appropriately. Contact your doctor if you suspect a flea or tick bite and are experiencing swelling, redness, itching, or other symptoms.
Fleas are known to induce itching. However, they can also cause:
- Anemia (in extreme cases)
- Allergy dermatitis
- Hair loss
Ticks, on the other hand, do not produce evident discomfort like itching, but their bites can induce serious symptoms, including:
- Serious Infections (such as Lyme disease)
- Paralysis
- Anemia
These hazards endanger your pet’s health, so it is critical to have a plan in place to keep your pet safe from fleas and ticks all year, especially during peak seasons. For this reason, it is important to contact a professional pest control agency immediately if you suspect fleas and ticks have infested your pets.
