Fleas and Ticks

Ticks as well as fleas are external parasites of people and pets. Fleas are tiny, wingless jumping insects that feed on the blood of mammals, human or animal, and also of birds. They are more active during warmer months, nest on the fur of cats and dogs and can jump as high as 20 cm.

Fleas develop through four stages – eggs, larvae, pupae and adult. They lay their eggs on the host, from where they fall to the floor, the pet’s bedding, your bed or upholstered furniture, in short, wherever the pet moves. By the time that you spot adult fleas on your pet, you see only a symptom of a much larger problem.

The bite of a flea is very annoying because it itches a lot and forms red swollen spots. Imagine having to endure lots of such bites all day long. If your pet suffers from fleas, it is in constant agony, forever itching and scratching while the fleas happily drink its blood. The flea saliva contains allergenic materials which cause immune responses, ergo nasty itching.

Although fleas stay mainly on their animal host, they can easily transfer between animals, humans as well as onto furniture, carpets, beds, etc. Apart from causing an allergy reaction, fleas also carry tapeworms and could even transmit bubonic plague. Fleas are found on rodents too, consequently, if you have a rodent problem, you might soon be having a flea problem as well.

   Ticks

Ticks also live on the blood of mammals and like warm moist areas such as under the arms, in the hair, the groin area, inside the ears, etc. They are also more active during warmer months. Ticks sit on shrubs or grass holding on with the hind legs while the front legs grasp clothing or fur of any unsuspecting prey walking past. After having walked outside on grass, in bushes or on trails you should check yourself and your pet before entering your home.

One female tick lays several thousands eggs at a time which means your house can become infested very quickly. It is terribly difficult to find their eggs, though because the eggs are extremely small. She lays them anywhere in places such as cracks in floorboards and walls, curtains, furniture, near skirting boards, etc.

Ticks can carry various serious diseases which they may transmit to the people they bite, such as Lyme disease. The effect of this disease can last for months or even years and includes fever/chills, body aches, headaches, rashes and nausea.

Only one tick brought into your home can infest your house. Call us, the professionals, for an inspection, if you suspect infestation. It is always better to be sure, than sorry.