Mosquitoes might seem like just an annoying summer pest, but they can be dangerous. So can fleas and ticks. These three parasites are definitely not something you want hanging out around your home. That's why Terra Pest Management Specialists offers misting treatments for Collegeville homes as part of our Collegeville pest control offerings. Misting treatments are designed to last longer and keep your yard safer. Contact us today to learn more and set up a visit.
Mosquitoes, Fleas, And Ticks Are External Parasites
Mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks all bite humans and other mammals in order to drink our blood. Although all three share this trait, there are differences in their appearances and behavior.
Mosquitoes are small, flying insects that are typically silvery gray in color. They're most active at dawn and dusk during spring and summer in humid climates. Only female mosquitoes bite; these insects typically get the nutrients they need from nectar, but extra protein from blood is necessary to produce eggs.
Fleas are tiny, usually less than a sixth of an inch long. They're dark brown and have flat bodies with large hind legs. These legs allow fleas to jump several inches in the air.
There are a few types of ticks that can be found in Collegeville. Deer ticks are sometimes called blacklegged ticks because their dark legs contrast their orange bodies. Lone star ticks are reddish-brown with a single white marking on their backs. These are the ticks most likely to bite humans. Asian longhorn ticks are also reddish-brown. These ticks typically feed on livestock or wild animals but can bite humans. Female Asian longhorn ticks are able to reproduce without mating. Dog ticks are brown with white or gray markings. Their preferred hosts are dogs, but they'll often enter homes on pets and then bite humans.
Although ticks are usually small and darkly colored, they swell and turn gray after feeding. This may be how they appear when found on a person or animal. Ticks stay latched onto people for hours or even days, while mosquitoes and fleas bite and leave.
Fleas, Ticks, And Mosquitoes All Transmit Dangerous Diseases
Because mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas all bite, there's a risk of disease transmission. Mosquitoes are most known for carrying malaria, but this is thankfully nonexistent in the United States. The diseases carried by mosquitoes include the West Nile virus, dengue fever, and encephalitis. Although mosquito-borne illness is relatively rare in the US, it is still a concern.
Fleas spread disease to humans and animals. These include typhus, tularemia, and tapeworm. Flea bites can also lead to anemia in animals. Ticks spread a variety of diseases. The most concerning are Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tick paralysis, spread by dog ticks; Lyme disease, spread by deer ticks; heartland virus, bourbon virus, and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI), spread by lone star ticks.
Some of these illnesses can take weeks or even months to become symptomatic. It's important that you seek medical attention if you develop any symptoms within a year of receiving a tick bite.
How A Misting Program Keeps The Dangerous Parasites Away
Misting programs are designed for pests like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. They target whole populations, including eggs and larvae. Rather than laying baited traps, misting treatments reach into the tall grass and overgrown plants to where these parasites lurk.
Before you start seeing parasites, there are steps you can take to prevent mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks from moving into your yard and biting you and your family.
- Keep grass cut short and plants trimmed back.
- Build fencing to keep wildlife pests away.
- Keep your pets on tick and flea medications.
- Remove or treat standing water.
- Protect yourself with repellants and long pants and long sleeves when outdoors.
Once parasitic pests have taken up residence in your yard, reach out to a professional home pest control company for help.
Contact Us To Get Started On A Program Today
Terra Pest Management Specialists offer effective misting treatments for mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas in Collegeville. Your health and safety are our top priority. Our pest control technicians focus on environmentally friendly, long-term solutions for pest problems. Contact us today to set up mosquito, flea, or tick treatment for your Collegeville yard.
Our certified pest experts will work with you to find the best solution for your needs. Simply fill out this form for a free, no-obligation estimate.