Flea & Tick Identification & Prevention
What are fleas and ticks?
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Both fleas and ticks are external parasites that use mammals and birds as hosts. Someone may have warned about letting your pets run around with flea collars, or perhaps someone cautioned you about ticks before a hike. These parasitic vector pests depend on blood meals to survive.
Ticks are often mistaken for insects; they are actually arachnids. They are small, measuring about 1/8 of an inch long, with an oval-shaped body. They become enlarged and swollen immediately after feeding on their host. They have eight legs and range in color from light reddish-brown to dark black. They have a dark back shield.
Fleas are tiny vectors measuring about 1/8 of an inch long and are flat and flightless. They use their biting mouthparts to pierce the skin of their hosts, and they prefer hairy hosts as they’re easier to latch onto. Fleas are dark reddish-brown, and they have three pairs of powerful jumping legs that enable them to move from one host to another.
Where do fleas & ticks live?
Fleas and ticks hide in yard debris, dirt, grass, weeds, and bushes, waiting for wildlife hosts to pass by so they can latch onto them. They usually hide in tall grass, wooded paths, and densely vegetated areas like leaf piles and shrubbery.
Why Choose Wise/Chem Safe Pest Control?
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300+ Businesses ProtectedWise / Chem is trusted by over 300 local businesses to protect their property and customers from unwelcome pests.
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35+ Years of Industry ExperienceWith over 35 years experience, Wise / Chem has the knowledge to identify, treat, and prevent common pest problems!
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1000+ Satisfied CustomersOver 1,000 homeowners in Granbury and the surrounding areas trust Wise / Chem to protect their homes!
Are Fleas and Ticks Dangerous?
While flea and tick bites in and of themselves are relatively painless, there’s a serious danger of contracting a vector-borne illness. When an infected flea or tick bites you, you are exposed to a long list of serious diseases, such as:
- Anaplasmosis
- B. miyamotoi disease
- Babesiosis
- Bourbon virus
- Chikungunya
- Colorado tick fever
- Dengue
- Ehrlichiosis
- Encephalitis
- Heartland virus
- Lyme disease
- Malaria
- Powassan virus
If you begin to develop flu-like symptoms, a widespread rash, or swelling and redness of the skin, you should seek medical attention immediately. In terms of your precious house pets, fleas can cause tapeworm, and their saliva can cause severe allergies in cats and dogs. As a pet owner, it’s very important to take the proper precautions in your efforts to reduce your exposure to fleas. In addition to consulting with your veterinarian about the necessary preventative measures.
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"Quick response!"
The tech came out a few hours after I called. He took time to understand my pest issue and gave a good recommendation on how to handle it. He finished up in about 15 minutes and I haven't had any more pest issues in the specified area ever since!
Megan B. -
"Super great guy!"
Chris is a great guy, very professional, helpful and friendly. He took all the time to answer the questions I had about our mole problem and explained the process and hopeful outcome.
Quinn E. -
"Couldn't live without this company!"
My family could not live without our pest control treatments. We never have an issue with bugs anymore. My kids can play freely in the yard. It’s a relief to not have to worry about things like bugs.
Corina B. -
"I highly recommend them!"
Chris was on time, very nice, extremely knowledgeable about his job as well as other services offered. He was respectful of my home and dogs.
Kelly R. -
"Very thorough!"
They are very thorough & always on time or early. Alan Webb is a delight to work with. He's always so upbeat & happy. It's a pleasure getting to see him. Ryan is also a very thorough worker & we love the jobs they both do. I've never had a prob
Judy A.
How Can I Protect My Property From Fleas & Ticks?
Getting bitten by a flea or a tick in Granbury, TX is a threat that can feel completely out of our control. The good news is there are some precautionary measures that you can take to reduce your exposure to these parasites:
- Check everyone (including pets) for fleas or ticks after being outside.
- Clear away yard debris and keep lawn and vegetation well-trimmed.
- Clear clutter and vacuum carpets, floors, furniture, and crevices where fleas and ticks can hide.
- Deter wildlife hosts from your yard.
- If you do have pets, treat them with a flea/tick shampoo.
- Regularly wash all bedding, linens, laundry, and upholstery on high heat.
- Shower promptly after spending time outdoors.
- Stay out of tall grass, brush, and wooded areas.
- Treat your clothing with or buy clothing pre-treated with permethrin.
- Tumble dry your clothing on high heat for ten minutes to kill off any fleas or ticks.
- Use insect repellents before participating in outdoor activities.
- Use outdoor flea and tick repellent on the exterior of your home to reduce the chances of an infestation.
- Vacuum any eggs and properly dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed trash can.
- Walk in the center of trails when walking, hiking, running, etc.
Trusted Solutions For All Of Your Flea & Tick Problems
Call in the experts at Wise/Chem Safe Pest Control today to discuss your flea and tick control needs. We’re here to help protect your property from these parasitic vectors throughout the year. Reach out to us today for more information about our home pest control and commercial pest control services.
