What’s the deal with fleas and ticks in Orlando? These tiny parasites can be more than just a nuisance for your pets. Fleas and ticks pose a real threat to both animals and humans as they’re known to transmit diseases.
Keep reading to find valuable insights on protecting their pets and themselves from these pesky critters.
Key Takeaways
- Fleas are small insects that jump between hosts, while ticks are larger arachnids that attach to feed.
- Flea bites cause itchy red bumps, while tick bites are often painless but can result in rashes or irritation.
- Fleas live in warm indoor spaces like carpets, while ticks prefer outdoor areas with grass or trees.
- Yard maintenance, pet treatments, and pest control help prevent fleas and ticks in Orlando.
Fleas vs. Ticks: Key Differences
Fleas and ticks are common pests in Florida and can cause infestations that lead to various health issues. From their physical characteristics to their behavior, here are the key distinctions between these two common pests:
Fleas
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects, usually brown and about 0.08 to 0.12 inches (2-3 millimeters) long. Their bodies are flat and specialized for jumping.
Fleas are primarily external parasites that live on their hosts, feeding on blood. Female fleas lay hundreds of eggs in pet bedding, carpets, and furniture.
Flea bites often cause red, itchy bumps in clusters. These bites are common on legs and feet. Some individuals and pets may suffer from severe allergic reactions to flea bites. Scratching flea bites can lead to more skin irritations.
Fleas can carry diseases like typhus and tapeworm infections. It’s important for pet owners to consider pest control if their pets are infested frequently. In Orlando, managing the population is crucial to preventing flea problems.
Is It a Flea?
Ticks
Ticks are arachnids. They have eight legs and are generally larger than fleas. The American dog tick, brown dog tick, and lone star tick are common in Orlando. These ticks vary in size but can be as small as a speck in their larval stage. Adult ticks are typically brown or reddish-brown.
Ticks can attach to hosts for several hours to days, feeding slowly. They prefer wooded and grassy areas. Ticks, like the lone star tick, are active throughout most of the year in Florida, with peak activity during warmer months.
Tick bites are usually painless. In some cases, they can cause small red spots that may result in mild itching or irritation. It’s vital to check pets and yourself regularly in tick-prone areas because bites often remain unnoticed until symptoms appear.
Ticks pose more severe health threats, capable of spreading illnesses that affect not only pets but also humans. Typical illnesses include Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, babesiosis, and tularemia.
Is It a Tick?
How to Prevent Flea and Tick Infestations in Orlando
In Orlando, warm weather means fleas and ticks can persist. Here are practical steps you can take to get rid of fleas and ticks:
- Yard Maintenance for Tick Control: Start by keeping your yard in shape. Trim grass and bushes to remove hiding spots for ticks. Clearing leaf litter and stacking firewood in dry areas prevents pests from establishing themselves.
- Creating a Physical Barrier: Install a buffer between your yard and any nearby wooded area, such as wood chips or gravel. This deters ticks from crossing into your property.
- Regular Cleaning Habits: Inside your home, vacuum carpets, sofas, and pet bedding at least weekly to remove flea eggs and larvae, and more frequently if there’s a known infestation.
- Pet Preventive Measures: Protect your pets with proper tick and flea treatments. Consult your veterinarian about the most effective flea or tick prevention options.
- Routine Tick Inspections: After outdoor activities, check pets and family members for ticks. Immediate removal reduces the chance of ticks spreading indoors and causing further issues.
- Professional Pest Control Solutions: If fleas or ticks persist, seek professional pest control services. Experts can assess your property and offer targeted treatment plans designed to get rid of tick or flea infestations.
Is It Time to Call Tick and Flea Experts?
Whether you’re dealing with flea bites or concerned about ticks carrying harmful diseases, our team at Rowland Pest Management is here to help. We provide expert inspections to pinpoint the source of the problem and offer customized solutions to target both pests.
Contact us today for a free inspection, and let our professionals develop a personalized plan to protect your home and pets from fleas and ticks year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do flea and tick infestations take to control?
Flea infestations can take weeks to control due to their life cycle. Tick infestations typically require many treatments over time, as ticks can survive for months without feeding, depending on their life stage and environmental conditions.
Are indoor-only pets at risk for fleas or ticks?
Yes, indoor pets are still at risk. Fleas or ticks can enter homes through other pets, humans, or even outdoor items like blankets and furniture, making regular preventive care important.