Fleas and Ticks

There are several different kinds of fleas and ticks. Here are the ones that are most often found on Long Island:

Deer Ticks

Also known as the black legged tick, the males will rarely bite, but the females and the nymphs can bite. The concern with getting bit is that they sometimes carry Lime Disease so a bite can transmit this disease to you. Deer Ticks are the most active during cool times of year.

American Dog Ticks

This is by far the most common type of tick you will find on Long Island. In terms of appearance, there is a clear difference between their white patterned shield and their dark brown body. This tick is capable of transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever and occasionally tularemia. American Dog Ticks are most active in Spring and early Summer.

The Lone Star Tick

These ticks used to only be found in the south but they have made their way to Long Island. Females are obvious because of the metallic star on their shield and the overall chestnut brown color of their body. These ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever and erlichiosis. Lone Star Ticks are most active in the middle of the summer.

Why do I have fleas and ticks?

If you have wild animals going in and out of the backyard or living on your property, then that can attract fleas and ticks. They can eventually come inside of your home on your pet’s back or clothing.

Fleas will breed quickly and can be difficult to get rid of once they are inside of your house. You can contact Long Island Pest Control for help with getting rid of them.

Ticks will have a hard time surviving inside of your home, unless it is a brown dog tick, because brown dog ticks are a species that can complete their entire life cycle while inside a home or building.

Where can I find fleas and ticks?

Fleas and ticks can be found outdoors in areas that are shady, grass is tall, wet, and soil is sandy. If the fleas somehow got inside, then you can probably find them in furniture, beds, rugs, or on pets. Ticks can often be found near a fence, a wood path, a ditch on the road, or tall grass. Dog ticks can be an issue around kennels, dog parks, and camping grounds.

How to get rid of fleas and ticks?

The best way to get rid of fleas and ticks is to contact a local pest control company. Long Island Pest Control can help. We have technicians with knowledge and expertise who will provide a safe and efficient service to remove them. If you would like to inquire about our service, contact Long Island Pest Control now!

How to prevent fleas and ticks in the future?

Here is some advice on how to prevent fleas and ticks from infesting your home or business:

• Work with your veterinarian to have your pets on a flea and tick control program.
• Try not to bring used furniture or rugs into your house or building.
• Groom your pets and give them baths on a regular basis.
• When mowing your grass, cut the grass short and prune your big bushes and shrubs.
• Wash pet bedding and vacuum floors on a regular basis.
• After being outside for a decent amount of time, check yourself, your kids, and your pets for fleas and ticks.
• Make sure trash cans have locking lids to prevent wild animals from feeding around your home or business.