Although fleas and ticks are very different in appearance and behavior, they have a few common traits. For one, both are highly dangerous pests that can transmit diseases, and both are commonly found in Mobile lawns. If you want to protect your property, here are a few things you can do.
What's The Problem With Fleas And Ticks?
If you have fleas or ticks in Mobile, you have more than one issue. For one, these pests are hazardous to your health. Fleas are small jumping insects that survive on the blood of hosts. Despite being associated with pets, fleas can also seek out human hosts. These small brown insects can often be seen hopping around your carpets or drapes. When fleas bite you, they have the potential to spread a myriad of diseases. Meanwhile, most ticks are slightly larger than fleas. Ticks also need blood as a food source, so they latch on to human and animal hosts until they are full. Once again, this is the behavior that makes these pests in Mobile so dangerous. They can spread diseases with long-term consequences.
How Flea And Tick Problems Begin
Issues with fleas and ticks can start in one of several ways. At times, an animal makes its way into your yard with a hitchhiker. Squirrels, mice, and rats often have fleas or ticks hiding under their fur. Even though the rodent remains outside, a flea or tick could fall into your lawn and hitch a ride off you or your pet inside. Fleas can remain dormant for months. So, if the conditions aren't right, pupa (flea larvae) wait for a better environment. They can remain dormant for up to nine months. Unfortunately, your property could always be vulnerable to these undesirable pests.
Flea And Tick Prevention Methods
There are a few easy ways in which you can make your home less vulnerable to fleas and ticks. That said, none of the following is a substitute for professional pest control.
Use A Flea And Tick Control Product On Pets
If you have pets, they could be the ones to bring fleas and ticks into your home. To protect your home, you also need to protect your pets. This means using a flea and tick control product. Although you can find these products online and in pet stores, your best chance of success is to consult with your veterinarian. Most products either go on topically or are oral medications. You can find products that keep away ticks, fleas, and even heartworm. When you choose a product, make sure it works on fleas of all life cycle stages.
Mow Your Lawn
If you have tall grass in your yard, fleas and ticks will have plenty of hiding spots. Mow your lawn regularly and use a weed eater to keep hard-to-reach areas from getting out of control.
Trim Your Shrubs
Parasite-carrying pests will end up in your yard if you don't maintain your shrubs. If you trim your shrubs, you make your property less appealing to squirrels and rodents. In turn, this decreases your chances of finding fleas and ticks in your yard or home.
Remove Debris Piles
When you have piles of leaves and branches, you have land that appeals to rodents and other mammals. Every time you do yard work, remove the debris piles to make the area less desirable to pests.
Work With Professionals For On-Going Assistance
The best and only effective form of tick or flea prevention is to work with a team of professionals. Here at EnSec, we offer ongoing flea and tick control. For more advice or assistance, call us today.