Fleas & Ticks

What are fleas & ticks?

Fleas and ticks are both ectoparasites and feed on their host’s blood from outside their body. Fleas are insects, ticks are arachnids, and both are wingless. The blood of warm-blooded animals is the sole source of nutrition for fleas and ticks. These pests prefer an animal host, but they will bite us and feed on our blood if given the opportunity. Common outdoor and indoor pests, fleas, and ticks are difficult to control and keep off our Idaho properties. A trained pest professional in Boise, ID can help you detect and prevent fleas and ticks from entering your home.

Are fleas & ticks dangerous?

The bottom line is that neither of these pests should be in our yards or homes biting us or our pets. Ticks are vectors of diseases that can make people and animals ill. Many people and animals are allergic to flea saliva and will develop itchy, uncomfortable rashes around the bite sites. Also, fleas are intermediate hosts of tapeworms and can spread tapeworms to people and animals.

Why do I have a flea & tick problem?

A flea and tick problem can develop on any property, but our pets’ soft, warm fur is very inviting to them. If you own pets, they are the most likely reason for the presence of fleas and ticks in your home. However, it is important to note that any property is susceptible to fleas and ticks, whether pets are present or not.

Fleas and ticks are continually being introduced into outdoor spaces by wild animals such as mice, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, and other animals. As wild animals travel across your property, ticks and fleas will fall off their bodies and onto the ground. After you, your kids, or pets spend time outside and come into contact with them, you can unintentionally introduce fleas or ticks into your home. Fleas and ticks are also regularly introduced into homes on the backs of animal hosts that have moved inside to nest.

Where will I find fleas & ticks?

Ticks are brought into our homes by us, our pets, or intruding wild animals, but rarely become an issue inside as most species cannot complete their life cycle indoors. Outside, ticks that are not feeding wait for a host to happen by in areas of dense vegetation, tall grass, leaf piles, and along fence lines. Properties near wooded areas, fields, or meadows with a lot of animal activity are most susceptible to having problems with ticks in their yard.

After being introduced into our yards, fleas hide in leaf piles, brush piles, under woodpiles, and the sandy soil found under decks or shrubs. As soon as they sense the vibrations of a host walking by, they will jump onto them. If you or your pets came into contact with fleas outside and introduce them inside, they will quickly take over your home. Fleas are prolific breeders and can complete their life cycle indoors.

How do I get rid of fleas & ticks?

If you are experiencing problems with fleas and ticks on your property, reach out for help from the professionals at Owyhee Environmental. We are a local pest control company that understands the pest pressures our Idaho customers experience each day. Our flea and tick control solutions are affordable, long-lasting, and effective! For more information about eliminating fleas and ticks from your Boise or Meridian area property, call Owyhee Environmental today.

How can I prevent fleas & ticks in the future?

At Owyhee Environmental, we want to help you prevent problems with fleas and ticks by putting together a list of prevention tips that will make your property less attractive to these pests:

• If you own pets, make sure to use a flea and tick preventative year-round.
• Reduce the clutter in your home, and make sure to vacuum regularly to pick up stray fleas and ticks that come inside either on you or your pets.
• Mow your grass regularly and keep shrubs pruned to reduce hiding spots for these pests in your yard.
• Repair holes in your home’s exterior that could allow animal invaders infested with fleas and ticks to move inside your home.
• Store trash and place bird feeders away from your home’s exterior to ensure that rodents and other wild animals aren’t attracted to your property.

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