Flea & Tick Identification & Prevention

Fleas and ticks are outdoor pests that are a year-round threat to our Austin properties; learn about these pests with the help of our informational guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fleas And Ticks

What are fleas and ticks?

Fleas are insects, ticks are arachnids, and both thrive year-round in the warm weather in Austin. Their sole food source is blood from warm-blooded animals. Their primary hosts are rodents, cats, dogs, assorted wildlife, and, if available, people. Fleas and ticks are external parasites- meaning they feed on the blood of their hosts from the outside of their bodies.

Ticks are oval, wingless arachnids that go through a four-stage life cycle (egg, larva, nymph, adult). It can take two years or longer, depending on environmental conditions.

Adults have eight legs, and they find their hosts passively. When ready to eat, they will climb to the top of a piece of grass or other vegetation and wait for a host to brush past they can climb onto.

Ticks feed slowly over several days; once full, they drop to the ground to digest their meal and complete their next life cycle. The most common types of ticks in our region are dog ticks and deer ticks.

Fleas are also oval-shaped but flattened from side to side. They have powerful back legs that allow them to jump great distances. When new adults are ready to find a host, they will use their legs to jump onto their bodies. They will bury themselves in their host's fur, where they will stay. Fleas spend their short adult lives (two to three months) feeding and breeding on their hosts. Flea eggs fall from their host to the ground, where they develop into new biting adults.

Doing what you can to keep fleas and ticks away from your property is essential to the comfort and health of your family. For pest control in Austin, reach out to Aries Pest Control today!

Are fleas and ticks dangerous?

Fleas deliver itchy bites, and ticks embed themselves in your skin and feed for several days. Flea and tick bites are unpleasant, and just the thought of these pests makes most people's skin crawl.

As if that wasn't bad enough, fleas and ticks can spread disease through their feeding habits. Deer ticks are known for transmitting Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Without treatment, Lyme disease can cause serious health problems in people and animals.

Secondary infections are also a threat when fleas and ticks bite; the openings they create in the skin can allow bacteria inside.

Why do I have a flea and tick problem?

Both fleas and ticks move from place to place with the help of their animal hosts and often wind up in our yards. The more wildlife activity you have in your yard, the more likely fleas and ticks will become a problem.

Additionally, if you and your pets spend a lot of time outdoors in grassy areas, walking trails, or wooded areas, you are likely to come into contact with fleas and ticks and introduce them into your yard or home.

Where will I find fleas and ticks?

Fleas regularly find their way into our homes from our yards on the backs of pets or rodents or after jumping onto you or a family member's clothing. Once inside, they keep feeding, breeding, and multiplying quickly. When not feeding, familiar places to find fleas inside houses include carpets, upholstered furniture, bedding, and folded towels or linens.

Ticks are usually not pests that invade and take over our homes. Most ticks cannot complete their reproductive cycle indoors and won't cause a widespread infestation inside. Outside, ticks can develop into large numbers in areas with a lot of animal activity and wooded areas, fields, meadows, and along walkways and fencelines.

How do I get rid of fleas and ticks?

With the help of a professional, getting rid of fleas and ticks from your home can be a painless process. The professionals at Aries Pest Control will get to the root of your flea or tick problem and provide the quality treatments necessary to eliminate the infestation. Fleas and ticks are a year-round threat in Austin and require regular pest control services to control their numbers and stop them from delivering unwanted bites. For the most effective home pest control and commercial pest control in Austin, please reach out today.