Fleas and ticks may look small, but they cause big problems for homeowners. Ecology Exterminating Service is New York’s flea and tick removal expert! Call 1-800-Pest-Control and ask about our Guaranteed Flea and Tick Service. Our services are totally eco friendly.
Fleas
Description
- Size: 1/8 inch
- Color: very dark
- Wingless
- Three pairs of legs
- Immature stage looks like a small white worm with a dark head
- Eggs are small and white
Habitat
- Cooler and drier weather brings a reduction in the number of households with fleas
- House pets usually carry small flea populations throughout the winter
- The pets carry much larger populations in the spring and summer
Life Cycle of Fleas
- Females lay eggs in the pet’s hair
- The eggs drop off and hatch into tiny, hairy, worm-like larvae
- The larva is usally found where the pet sleeps, along baseboards, in carpets, or on furniture
- Larvae pupate and new adults emerge
- New adults seek a host immediately and must get a blood meal to survive and produce eggs
Control
- Vacuum the pet’s bedding, rugs, and resting areas frequently
Ticks
Identification
- About 5 mm long
- Short stout mouthparts
- Reddish-brown color
Life History of Ticks
- Ticks pass through three feeding stages: the larva, nymph, and adult
- After feeding on a host, a tick becomes engorged with blood and drops from the host
- Once in a protected place, immature ticks molt to the next stage, and females produce eggs after their final meal
Control
- Avoid tick infested areas such as tall grass and dense vegetation
- Walk in the center of trails and acoid brushing against weeds and tall grass
- Keep grass and underbrush cut and thinned
- Wear light colored clothing so ticks can be found easily
- Tuck pant legs into socks so ticks stay on the outside of pants
- Conduct tick checks on children and pets every 4 hours
- Use tick repellents that contain at least 30% DEET
- Ask your veterinarian to reccommend tick controls for your pets
- Treat your lawn with an approved pesticide for tick control
Removing Ticks
- Remove with tweezers or by wrapping the tick in tissue paper and pulling out with fingers
- DO NOT twist or jerk, and pull slowly to avoid leaving the mouthparts in the wound
- DO NOT use nail polish, petroleum jelly, alcohol, or hot matches
- Wash the wound with an antiseptic after the tick is removed
- Treatment Preparation Sheet
- Vacuum all rugs and floors before treatment.
- Remove all children’s toys or items they put in their mouth from the floor.
- Cover or put away all exposed food, dishes, pots, pans, and utensils.
- Strip all beds.
- Turn off all air conditioning units, central heating units, and fans.
- Unplug and cover all fishtanks.
- Remove and wash all pet bedding or sleeping areas.
- Remove all pet food and toys from the floor.
- Have all pets treated for the fleas or ticks, and remove from premises during treatment.
After Treatment
- Open all windows and let rooms ventilate.
- Wipe down all counter tops and flat surfaces.
- Next day, revacuum all areas that were treated.
