Flea & Tick Facts & Identification
Protect Your Property from fleas & ticks
Common Fleas in East Tennessee
Cat Flea
Cat fleas are small, reddish-brown, wingless insects about 1-2 mm long with flattened bodies and powerful legs for jumping. They are commonly found on cats, dogs, and other animals but can also infest carpets, furniture, and bedding. These fleas feed on blood and can cause severe itching, allergic reactions, and skin infections in pets and humans. They also pose health risks by transmitting diseases like cat scratch fever and tapeworms. Regular pet treatments, vacuuming, and pest control measures are essential to prevent and eliminate infestations.
Dog Flea
Dog fleas are small, dark brown, wingless insects similar in size to cat fleas, about 1-2 mm long. They primarily infest dogs but can also be found on other animals and in carpets, bedding, and furniture. These fleas feed on blood, causing itching, skin irritation, and allergic reactions in pets and humans. In severe infestations, they can lead to hair loss and secondary infections from excessive scratching. Dog fleas can also transmit tapeworms and bacterial diseases. Preventing infestations involves regular flea treatments for pets, frequent vacuuming, and professional pest control if necessary.
Common Ticks in East Tennessee
American Dog Tick
American dog ticks are reddish-brown with white or gray markings on their backs and can grow up to 5 mm long before feeding. They are commonly found in grassy fields, wooded areas, and along trails where they wait for animals or humans to pass by. These ticks can transmit diseases such as Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia, making them a health risk to both pets and people. To avoid bites, use tick repellents, wear protective clothing, and check yourself and your pets after spending time outdoors.
Brown Dog Tick
Brown dog ticks are reddish-brown, oval-shaped, and about 3 mm long when unfed, but they can swell significantly after feeding. Unlike other ticks, they prefer warm indoor environments and are commonly found in homes, kennels, and dog bedding. These ticks primarily feed on dogs but can bite humans as well. They can spread diseases such as canine ehrlichiosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Preventing infestations involves regular pet treatments, washing pet bedding, and keeping indoor areas clean to eliminate hiding spots.
Lone Star Tick
Lone star ticks are reddish-brown, with females easily identified by a single white spot on their backs, while males have scattered white markings. They are commonly found in wooded areas, grassy fields, and along hiking trails, where they latch onto humans and animals. These aggressive ticks can transmit diseases such as ehrlichiosis, tularemia, and Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI), which mimics Lyme disease. To prevent bites, wear long clothing, use tick repellents, and check for ticks after outdoor activities.
What are the differences between cat fleas and dog fleas?
Cat vs. dog fleas
Cat fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) and dog fleas (Ctenocephalides canis) are very similar in appearance and behavior, but there are a few key differences. Cat fleas are more common and can infest both cats and dogs, while dog fleas are less prevalent and mainly found on dogs. Under a microscope, cat fleas have a slightly more elongated head compared to the more rounded head of dog fleas.
Both species feed on blood, cause itching and irritation, and can transmit diseases like tapeworms. However, cat fleas are the primary flea species found in the U.S., including East Tennessee, and are responsible for most infestations in homes. Since both fleas can affect pets and humans, regular flea prevention, including pet treatments and home maintenance, is crucial to avoid infestations.
How To remove a tick on your skin
Safe tick removal
To remove a tick safely, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure—do not twist or jerk, as this can cause parts of the tick to break off and remain in the skin. Avoid using home remedies like burning the tick or applying petroleum jelly, as these methods can cause the tick to burrow deeper or release harmful bacteria into the bloodstream.
After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or rubbing alcohol. Dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol, sealing it in a bag, or flushing it down the toilet. Monitor the bite site for signs of infection or illness, such as a rash, fever, or flu-like symptoms, and seek medical attention if necessary. To prevent future bites, use insect repellent, wear protective clothing, and check yourself and pets after spending time outdoors.
What are the signs of a flea infestation?
signs of fleas
Signs of a flea infestation in your home or on your pets include:
- Excessive scratching & biting: Pets may scratch, bite, or groom themselves more than usual, especially around the tail, belly, and legs.
- Red, irritated skin or hair loss: Flea bites can cause red bumps, allergic reactions, or even hair loss due to excessive scratching.
- Flea dirt (black specks): Tiny black specks, which are flea feces, may appear on your pet’s skin, bedding, or carpets. When placed on a damp paper towel, these specks turn red from digested blood.
- Live fleas: Adult fleas are small (1-2 mm), reddish-brown, and move quickly through fur, bedding, and carpets.
- Flea bites on humans: Small, itchy red bumps, often found around the ankles, feet, or legs, can indicate fleas in the home.
- Pale gums in pets: Severe infestations can cause anemia, especially in young or small pets, leading to pale gums and weakness.
- Flea eggs & larvae: Flea eggs look like tiny white specks and may be found in pet bedding, carpets, and furniture. Larvae resemble tiny worms and hide in dark areas.
More Flea & Tick FAQs
hOW CAN WE HELP?
What diseases do fleas and ticks spread?
How can I protect my family from these risks?
How do I know if fleas or ticks have infested my home?
If you suspect fleas or ticks have infested your home, contact the experts at Pest Ops immediately for help. Our experienced technicians can provide an effective, eco-friendly treatment to eliminate these pests and keep your home safe.
How To remove a tick from your dog or cat
tick removal from pets
To remove a tick from your dog or cat, use fine-tipped tweezers or a specialized tick removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull it straight out with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting, squeezing, or crushing the tick, as this can cause it to release harmful bacteria into your pet’s bloodstream. Never use home remedies like petroleum jelly, nail polish, or heat, as they can make the tick burrow deeper.
After removal, clean the bite area and your hands with antiseptic or soap and water. Dispose of the tick by placing it in alcohol, sealing it in a plastic bag, or flushing it down the toilet. Monitor your pet for signs of illness, such as lethargy, fever, joint pain, or loss of appetite, and contact your veterinarian if symptoms appear. To prevent future infestations, use veterinarian-approved tick prevention treatments, check your pet regularly, and keep your yard well-maintained to reduce tick habitats.