Flea Pest Control & Tick Identification in Elk Grove
Protecting Your Home from Flea and Tick Infestations
Contrary to common belief, fleas and ticks aren't just pests your dogs and cats have to deal with. These external parasites are just as happy feeding on you. It's also much easier to wind up with a breeding population of fleas and ticks on your property than you might think. You don't even need pets! That's why you must be vigilant and protect yourself from fleas and ticks, even if you don't have a cat or a dog. Let Bell Pest Control handle it. With our team of Diamond Certified experts, serving Elk Grove and surrounding areas, we provide effective identification and control to protect your family and home from these persistent pests.
In Elk Grove's warm climate, flea and tick activity is prevalent most of the year, increasing the risk of infestations. This makes early identification crucial in managing these pests. Regularly inspecting your living spaces, including gardens and pet areas, is essential. Early detection allows for prompt measures to be taken, effectively reducing the chance of a full-blown infestation. Homeowners should also be aware of wildlife, such as raccoons or stray animals, that can inadvertently bring fleas and ticks onto their property. Installing barriers or deterrents can be an effective way to minimize these risks.
Eliminate fleas and ticks from your Elk Grove property and identify the threats. Contact us at (916) 252-4703 or fill out our online form for comprehensive pest control.
A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are fleas and ticks?
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Fleas and ticks are not related to each other. They don't even look the same. The former is an insect, while the latter is an arachnid. Fleas are agile and athletic, while ticks can barely crawl. Fleas only feed on you for a quick minute, while ticks have to be embedded for days to get a full meal.
Here is a brief description of the fleas and ticks in our area to help you identify them:
- Fleas: These tiny parasitic pests are typically reddish-brown with flat bodies and long hind legs.
- American dog ticks: The largest tick species on this list, American dog ticks are brown, oval-shaped arachnids that can be identified by the white or gray markings on their bodies. These ticks measure 3/16 of an inch before eating or 5/8 of an inch after feeding.
- Brown dog ticks: Before feeding, these ticks are reddish-brown with flat, oval-shaped bodies. After consuming a blood meal, their bodies become round and turn more of a grayish-blue color.
- Western black-legged ticks: Also called deer ticks, these ticks are about 1/8 of an inch long with flat, orangish-brown bodies and dark legs. This tick species is commonly associated with Lyme disease.
The one thing these two very different pests have in common is that they are both external parasites. They both feed on your blood, and they both do so by biting you. So, even though they're very different pests, they are after the same thing. If you think you're dealing with any of these biting insects on your property, reach out to Bell Pest Control, the trusted flea pest control Elk Grove residents depend on.
Are fleas and ticks dangerous?
While these pests primarily irritate bites, they can also pose significant health risks. Fleas can indirectly transmit diseases to humans and pets. Tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever can have long-term health consequences. Understanding the risks associated with these pests is crucial in taking appropriate preventive measures. Employing year-round pest control strategies helps in minimizing exposure to these health threats.
In this day and age, fleas don't spread the sorts of deadly diseases they used to before the Industrial Revolution. However, you can rarely get serious infections like murine typhus, tularemia, or bartonellosis from flea bites. Both humans and pets can also have flea allergies, though these typically cause more discomfort than actual peril.
Ticks, on the other hand, are considered very dangerous. This is because they spread a myriad of serious illnesses, including:
- Lyme disease
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Babesiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Powassan virus
Some of these illnesses can lead to permanent nervous system and cardiovascular damage, so protecting yourself from tick bites is vital.
Where Will I Find Fleas and Ticks?
Fleas and ticks can hide in lots of different areas, but there are a few places you're more likely to find them. Fleas nest in areas with many hiding spots, such as carpets, shrubs, plush furniture, high grass, and even your pets' fur. Ticks, meanwhile, hide in places like bushes, grass, tree branches, and thick brush. You may find fleas inside or outside, while you're much more likely to find ticks outside.
Regular maintenance and monitoring of these areas can help control and prevent infestations. Consider treating outdoor spaces with environmentally-friendly pest control substances, especially during warmer months when these parasites are most active. It's also wise to secure entry points to your home to prevent these pests from gaining indoor access. Understanding the specific habitats and behaviors of fleas and ticks in Elk Grove can further aid in implementing effective flea pest control strategies.
How do I get rid of fleas and ticks?
It's not easy to get rid of ticks or fleas alone. Foggers and dusts typically barely make a dent in breeding populations of these parasites. This means the best thing you can do if you wind up with an infestation is to call residential pest control professionals for help.
Professional pest control services offer a comprehensive approach to managing and eradicating these pests. They employ a combination of strategies tailored to the specific conditions of your property and the extent of the infestation. This often includes inspections, targeted treatments, and follow-up services to ensure the complete elimination of the pests. Engaging expert services ensures the safety of your household and pets and helps prevent future infestations with customized prevention plans.
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"We have been Bell Pest Control customers for so many years!"
Titus is AMAZING! He called before arriving, very knowledgeable, courteous, and professional.
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"Bell Pest always does a great job accommodating my schedule."
Bell Pest always does a great job accommodating my schedule and keeping me informed of their services and recommendations. I had Sean out for a routine service today and he was very friendly!
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"We've been very pleased with Bell and their service for years now!"
Our technician has been Darrell for some time now, and he's fantastic! He's knowledgeable, good-natured, and always does a great job.
- Debora K.
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