Learning more about the importance of flea and tick control in Kettering, Ohio, can be extremely helpful in keeping your household safe. We often hear about the harmful effects these guys can have on pets; however, they are capable of passing diseases onto humans, as well. First, let’s learn about how to identify each of these concerns with the help of ASPCA.
How to Identify Fleas and Ticks
Fleas
Fleas are wingless insects that feed on blood and are considered the most common external parasite to attack housepets. You’ll be able to identify these by looking out for a flat-bodied insect with six long legs. Their color can range from brown to black or even reddish. They tend to be less than one-eighth of an inch and have the ability to jump long distances.
Ticks
Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of unlucky hosts, such as cats and dogs. However, humans are not excluded. They can transmit several diseases through their bite and are often difficult to notice. During the springtime, ticks are most active, and they are commonly found in tall grass where they can easily attach themselves to you or your pets. One of the best ways to identify a tick is to look for a white dot, which will be present on the female. This insect will be long-bodied, small in size overall, and reddish-brown.
Diseases Caused by Fleas and Ticks
Diseases That Can be Transmitted by Fleas Include:
Flea-borne (murine) typhus
Flea-borne (murine) typhus can be spread to people through infected fleas, transmitted to them when they have bitten infected animals, such as rats or cats. Those who have contracted this disease can experience flu-like symptoms, coughing, and possible rash around day five of the illness. This disease, if left untreated, has the potential to cause serious damage to major organs.
Dipylidium caninum (Tapeworm)
This is the most common tapeworm in the United States and can be contracted when your pet accidentally swallows an infected flea. When a pet is infected, you can find the proglottids on the surface of their feces when they are fresh. They may experience weight loss as a result of being heavily infected, but they usually don’t fall seriously ill. When this happens, your pet may “scoot” its bottom across the floor due to irritation.
Diseases That Can be Transmitted by Ticks Include:
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is extremely common in Kettering and is transferred to humans and pets when bitten by a black-legged tick. We are usually infected by young ticks, however mature ticks can transmit this disease as well. According to The Ohio Department of Health, If you come in contact with Lyme disease, you may notice symptoms of a headache, fever, chills, muscle and joint pain, and fatigue. When a pet is infected, it will experience sore lymph nodes and sluggishness.
Anaplasmosis
Though less common, anaplasmosis is also transmitted by the black-legged tick. You might notice symptoms of this disease one to two weeks after being bitten. These symptoms are similar to Lyme disease, with the added effects of nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea. A different form of this disease can also be transmitted to dogs.
Babesiosis
Most people who Babesiosis infects often don’t have symptoms. However, some people may experience flu-like symptoms. This can be a potentially life-threatening disease for older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Babesiosis most commonly affects pets and can cause anemia by attacking their red blood cells.
Ehrlichiosis
People who come in contact with Ehrlichiosis may experience early symptoms, usually just a few days after infection. According to the CDC, these can feel like flu-like symptoms, with the addition of a rash. One in three people may experience this rash, which usually occurs more often in children. Symptoms in pets can include fever, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, or bleeding disorders.
How to Prevent Fleas and Ticks from Entering Your Home
You can practice many preventative measures to lessen the chances of fleas and ticks entering your Kettering area home, such as:
- Thoroughly clean your bedding, as well as your pets’ bedding, and do it often with soap and water.
- Sweeping and vacuuming often; This includes your couch cushions, rugs, and carpet.
- Bathing your pets frequently and providing them with flea and tick prevention.
- Trim your grass regularly to ensure you’re not giving them too much shade. Doing so will discourage these pests from entering your space.
- Be mindful while partaking in activities such as hiking and camping. Make sure to protect yourself by wearing hats whenever possible, as well as bright clothing that covers most of your skin.
Protect your Home with Our Flea and Tick Program
You’ve been informed on how to identify fleas and ticks, the harm they can do to you and your pets, and how to prevent them from entering your home. The best way to ensure you aren’t a victim of infestation in Kettering is to ask us about our Flea and Tick Control Program. At Agxact Lawn and Pest, we choose only the highest-quality blend and conduct a year-round, four-step application process that will cover you in every season. If you’re ready to protect your home from unwanted pests, give us a call at 937-949-8199 or fill out our form here!
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