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As it gets warmer, fleas and ticks might show up. These pesky parasites can cause problems for pets and humans alike. Although they might be small, they can cause a lot of damage that can be prevented if proper steps are taken.
Even though this is the case, fleas and ticks are commonly mixed up and although they have many similarities, let’s point out some differences.

Appearance and Activity

As you may have noticed, both fleas and ticks are extremely small. While a flea may be the size of a pinhead, a tick is usually a little bigger.

Flea Up Close

• Fleas
  Fleas love to jump around and contrary to the common notion that they can fly, fleas actually just stay on one host for their small lifespan of around 100 days. But don’t be relieved yet… During this time, the flea can have thousands of offspring which can be a headache for you to deal with.

Ticks Before and After Feeding

• Ticks
  On the other hand, ticks are actually related to spiders (arachnids) and consume blood by digging/burrowing into the skin which is also difficult to find. “Tick” is really a term for many different small arachnids who are parasites. They can live from 3 weeks to up to 3 years, moving from host to host while having offspring.

Danger

Apart from creating a small rash on your pets (or you), these creatures can carry some deadly diseases. Fleas can carry many types of bacteria, including one that transmits the plague! Ticks meanwhile carry diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can cause neurological damage in severe cases. But don’t be too worried, if you take a few precautions, nothing bad will happen!

Precautions

The best way to keep these parasites away are usually by using natural sprays that stop these bugs from showing up in the first place. Flea lotions, creams, collars, and other products are available for pets (and you when outdoors) to disinterested fleas. If you or your pet do get infected, go to a doctor for medicine. Ticks are treated the same way, but if you are bitten by a tick, use a credit card or other flat object to pull it away. Using tweezers can squeeze harmful fluids into your body. Talk to a doctor afterwards.
These pests don’t usually show up in residential areas so removal usually isn’t an issue.

Fleas and ticks are pesky parasites that cause disease and discomfort. Hopefully though, you can distinguish between the two and tackle any of the problems that you may face. Call Watchdog Pest Control immediately to prevent them from multiplying and further harming your family and your pets.