Identify & Learn More About Fleas & Ticks
Moderate to High Risk
Blood-sucking parasites that infest pets and homes while transmitting serious diseases including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Call Athena Pest Control Immediately if:
Your pets are constantly scratching and biting at their fur
You're finding fleas jumping on furniture, carpets, or your clothing
You discover engorged ticks attached to family members or pets
Identification Guide
Size
1/16 to 1/4 inch long
Key Features
Flattened bodies, powerful jumping legs (fleas), eight legs (ticks), blood-feeding mouthparts
Common Species
Cat Fleas
Dark brown, excellent jumpers, infest both cats and dogs
Dog Fleas
Similar to cat fleas but slightly larger, less common indoors
American Dog Ticks
Brown with white markings, transmit Rocky Mountain spotted feve
Deer Ticks
Very small, reddish-brown, primary Lyme disease carriers
Where You'll Find Fleas & Ticks
Pet bedding, carpets, upholstery, cracks in floors, under furniture, in pet sleeping areas
Tall grass, leaf litter, wooded areas, fence lines, under decks, areas where pets rest
Pets scratching excessively, small jumping insects, flea dirt (black specks), red bite marks on ankles
Carpet fibers, pet fur, cracks in wooden floors, fabric furniture, outdoor vegetation
Flea & Tick Prevention Tips
Regular flea/tick prevention treatments, frequent grooming, washing pet bedding weekly
Keep grass short, remove leaf litter, create barriers between wooded areas and lawn
Vacuum regularly, wash pet bedding in hot water, treat carpets with appropriate products
Use repellents when outdoors, wear long pants in wooded areas, check for ticks after outdoor activities
Health & Property Risks
Disease Transmission
Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, tularemia
Severe Itching
Flea and tick bites cause intense itching and allergic reactions
Anemia Risk
Heavy flea infestations can cause anemia in pets and small children
Chronic Health Issues
Untreated tick-borne diseases can cause long-term neurological problems
Seasonal Activity
Activity peaks during warm months but can occur year-round in heated indoor environments:
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season
March through November with highest populations during warm, humid summer months
Treatment Difficulty
DIY Effectiveness: ⭐ (Very Low) – Over-the-counter products rarely eliminate established infestations completely
Why Professional Treatment is Essential: Flea and tick control requires treating pets, indoor environments, and outdoor areas simultaneously. Professional treatments use growth regulators and residual products that break the reproduction cycle and provide long-lasting protection. Timing and application methods are critical for success.
Expected Timeline: 4-8 weeks for complete flea elimination, immediate tick population reduction with ongoing protection
Flea & Tick Myth Busters
Myth: Fleas only live on pets
Truth: Adult fleas spend most of their time in carpets and furniture, not on animals
Myth: Ticks fall from trees onto people
Truth: Ticks climb up from ground level vegetation, they don’t drop from above
Myth: You can squeeze ticks to remove them
Truth: Improper removal can inject more bacteria – use fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight up
