Fleas, and often ticks are usually present inside because of pet animals. Ticks can be carried in on human clothing from outside. Both fleas and ticks can carry disease. Fleas are insects that have no wings and cannot fly, but can jump large distances relative to their small size. They often come inside as animal pests but do bite people. Ticks are arachnids (related to spiders). They cannot fly.

Infestations need coordinated treatment of living quarters by pest control professionals and of the pet by a veterinarian. Treatment of fleas can take repeat visits as eggs hatch and the emerging larvae and adults must be treated.

Fleas

Most fleas in our area are cat fleas. These will bite humans, dogs, and other mammals in addition to cats. There are effective flea treatments for pets, but if a household pet is treated, and the house is not treated, the fleas may become a very irritating pest for the resident humans. Professional treatment of the house, coordinated with treatment of pets is highly recommended. Several treatments might be necessary for complete eradication.

Ticks

The dog tick is the most common tick inside human structures. Deer ticks, which are smaller carry Lyme disease.

Ticks usually come in on pets or clothing and do not usually reproduce inside. However, they can carry disease and some people are allergic to their bites. There are effective treatments to prevent tick infestation of pets, and these should be used. Clothing and backpacks should be examined for ticks during tick season, and people should inspect themselves after walks in rural areas to make sure they haven't picked up ticks.

Summary | Fleas | Ticks | Top of Page | Pest Guide