The Most Effective Flea Tick Control For Chesapeake Properties

Your pets aren’t the only ones who have to worry about fleas and ticks; these parasites can affect people as well. Tick and flea populations on your Chesapeake property can quickly become out of control, leaving your pets and family not only itchy but also vulnerable to diseases. Continue reading to learn about the types of fleas and ticks in Chesapeake, the diseases they can spread, and tips foreffective flea control and prevention.

The Types Of Fleas & Ticks In Chesapeake

There are several different types of fleas and ticks found in Chesapeake. If you have tick or flea bites, one of these area species may be the culprit:

• Dog Flea - Dog fleas are dark brown or black and about ?” long. They have small heads and long, powerful back legs. Dog fleas get their name for their preference for canine hosts.
• Cat Flea - This is the most common domestic flea, known for feeding on cats, dogs, and any other warm-blooded host. The cat flea is similar to dog fleas in size, shape, and color and is also equipped with strong hind legs for jumping long distances.
• Blacklegged/Deer Tick - Blacklegged ticks are orangish-brown with dark legs and often feed on white-tailed deer. These ticks are especially problematic as they are known to carry Lyme disease.
• American Dog Tick - The American dog tick is brown with gray or whitish markings and has a hard exterior shield. This tick prefers to feed on dogs and is known to spread Rocky Mountain spotted fever to humans.
• Lone Star Tick - Lone Star ticks attack humans more than most other tick species. They are named for the white spot found on females’ backs. Lone star tick bites often cause a circular rash and may result in tularemia or the Heartland virus transmission.
• Brown Dog Tick - Brown dog ticks are most often found on domestic dogs, seldom choosing human hosts. They are red-brown before feeding but become grayish-blue and engorged after a blood meal. These ticks are responsible for spreading many canine diseases and causing Rocky Mountain spotted fever and boutonneuse fever in humans.

The Diseases Fleas & Ticks In Chesapeake Can Spread

Fleas and ticks in Chesapeake not only bite humans and pets, but they also spread diseases. Fleas can cause anemia in pets and give them tapeworms and other parasites. While rare, fleas are also transmitters of the bubonic plague and murine typhus and can infect humans via rats. The main symptoms of flea bites for animals and humans alike are red, itchy bumps and loss of fur or hair.

Tick bites are typically even more serious, as they can result in humans contracting various diseases. Depending on the species, ticks may transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Heartland virus, tularemia, boutonneuse fever, Lyme disease, and more.

The Best Way To Keep Fleas & Ticks Away From Your Chesapeake Property

Fleas and ticks are small but dangerous; it’s important to stay vigilant and protect yourself from these parasites. The best way to do this is through professional flea and tick control. A professional pest control company can treat your property, inside and out, for ticks and fleas. This will eliminate these pests from your property and keep you and your pets safe from fleas and ticks.

For effective flea and tick protection in Chesapeake, reach out to Hawk Mosquito & Pest today. We will thoroughly inspect and treat your property for ticks and fleas, leaving it pest-free in no time.

Natural Flea & Tick Prevention Tips For Chesapeake Properties

If you discover an infestation on your property, you should always seek professional assistance for flea and tick control. However, there are many things you can do to prevent ticks and fleas in the first place.

Check out these natural flea and tick prevention tips for Chesapeake residents:

• Keep your grass cut short - ticks and fleas love to hide in tall grasses.
• Address any wildlife or rodent issues, as they may bring fleas and ticks onto your property.
• Keep your pets on year-round flea and tick medication.
• Trim tree branches and vegetation around your home’s exterior.
• Remove any piles of wood, debris, or dead leaves from your yard.
• Vacuum your home regularly to remove any ticks or fleas that have entered.
• Keep your pets clean and well-groomed.
• Wear insect repellent, long pants, shoes, and socks while outdoors for tick protection.

These simple steps can greatly reduce your likelihood of flea or tick infestations. If these pests do become an issue on your property, be sure to reach out to a professional for effective flea and tick solutions. Hawk Mosquito & Pest is your source for quality pest control in the Chesapeake region. Don’t underestimate these tiny pests - if your home has fleas or ticks, contact us today for a free quote.