FLEA CONTROL & TICK CONTROL

Fleas and ticks are two of our least favorite bloodsucking pests. Whether they are coming in on outside animals like dogs or cats or an animal carcass that ends up in a backyard. These pests are problematic and annoying. What’s more, they can carry a number of diseases. Here are our most frequently asked questions we receive about fleas and ticks.

How common are flea and tick infestations?

Very common! One of our top five services that gets the most requests for treatment. We’ve had countless battles with both fleas and ticks over the years. I would say we get more calls for German cockroach clean-outs the most. Fleas coming in at second, rodents and small animal trapping coming in at third. Termites would come in at fourth and ticks would come in at number five. So, as you can see, we commonly get more flea calls than tick calls.

Are fleas and ticks related?

Technically, no. Fleas are insects while the tick is in the arachnid (like scorpions and spiders) family. You may notice that a tick has eight legs instead of six which is the norm for the insect kingdom. They are (most times) treated in a similar fashion although there may need to be tweaked to any control program depending on the particular infestation. You can almost look at it the same way we look at German cockroach clean-outs; no two jobs are the same. Generally speaking, tick clean-outs can take longer than flea clean-outs. Ticks are hardier than fleas and severe infestations are difficult to control. In times like these, it takes patience for both the client and the technician.

Does Meryl’s Termite and Pest Control treat both inside and outside for fleas and ticks?

Yes. It’s the correct way of completely eradicating the infestation. In some cases, maintenance is required to make sure they don’t come back.

Does Meryl’s Termite and Pest Control directly treat cats and dogs for fleas and ticks?

NO, we do not. This is carried out by a qualified veterinarian. The veterinarian can also prescribe the anti-flea or tick medication.

Which are easier to treat (fleas or ticks)?

Normally fleas, if cooperation with property owners is met. Take, such as, having the dog or cat on anti-flea medication or keeping the backyard clear of excess leaves or brush which serve as a refuge for both fleas and ticks.

We all know that ticks bite humans and fill their bodies upon our blood but do fleas bite humans too?

From what I understand there is a human flea although I’ve never come across one myself. As far as the fleas that commonly infest dogs or cats go, it depends on the situation. For example, say you had an indoor/outdoor cat for fifteen years and it succumbs to old age and put to rest and is no longer in the house. The fleas (that you may not even know were there in the first place) have lost their host but they’re still hungry. It is then that you will most likely get bit by these fleas and it’s a pretty good pinch I would say. Often times these fleas take refuge in carpeting and furniture and we are unaware of their presence until their source of food is no longer available.

Can fleas and ticks spread disease?

Absolutely. It’s fairly common knowledge that deer ticks (which can sometimes be found in our range of Florida) spread Lyme disease. Furthermore, ticks here can also spread spotted mountain fever. Some have argued that spotted mountain fever does not exist in our range but I’ve talked to people from the Ocala National Forest that say it does. Better to be safe than sorry. Use a quality mosquito and tick repellent when going into the woods. Wear light clothing and tuck in any openings such as socks. Be sure to follow the exact directions on the store-bought pesticide repellent found on its label.

When you’re done tracking through the woods do a “tick check”, meaning a thorough examination of both your clothes and body to see if you have any stowaways. Be sure to also check your hair, armpits and pubic area since these are warm and moist areas which are most appealing to the tick. Gross but true.

Fleas, however, also have a wide plethora of diseases they carry like typhus and bubonic plague to name only a few that can infect humans. There are even more diseases that can sicken your dog or cat. In short, if you have a flea or tick problem, it’s best to take care of it. That’s where Meryl’s Termite and Pest Control comes in. Besides killing the fleas and ticks we can develop strategies to help keep them from coming back. Needless to say, we need the complete cooperation of our clients when it comes to implementing some of these strategies.

Why must we exist our house for several hours after Meryl’s Termite and Pest Control performs a flea or tick treatment?

The label is the law and the law is the label. The product label we use specifically states all humans stay out of a treated area giving the said space enough time to completely dry. This is anywhere between three to six hours depending on the product used and the humidity levels. Higher humidity levels need more time to dry. Please heed any pest control technicians warning when presented to you.