Parasites like fleas and ticks are perfect carriers for blood-borne diseases. They move from host to host passing a slew of illnesses as they go. Fleas and ticks feed on people, pets and other animals, including rodents and predators that travel through your backyard.
Tick Infestations
From a public health perspective, ticks are almost as troublesome as mosquitoes. They transmit several nasty bacterial diseases that cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Lyme disease and southern tick-associated rash illness (STARI). Here in Yuma, Arizona, the western blacklegged tick and brown dog tick are the most common species.
Flea Infestations
Fleas inflict irritating bites, but they also carry tapeworms, typhus, cat scratch fever and bubonic plague. The cat flea is the most common pest, but there are over 300 species in the United States. Cat fleas measure just one-tenth of an inch long. They’re reddish brown with narrow bodies and long hind legs. Fleas can jump impressive distances up to 7 inches vertically or over a foot horizontally.
In addition to plaguing domestic pets and farm animals, fleas are very successful indoor pests. Infestations are most apparent when families return from vacations or when tenants move into vacant apartments. While homes are empty, many fleas hatch and mature. Because the fleas are hungry, they will attack anyone who arrives.
To avoid infestations, check your pet’s fur regularly. Look for adult fleas, larvae, skin irritation and dark flecks of flea dirt.
Indoor and Outdoor Flea and Tick Treatments
In most cases, effective flea and tick treatments start with your pet. Work with your veterinarian to select an appropriate product. The next step is to target areas where your pets spend time. We offer several effective treatments that are approved for indoor and outdoor use around people and pets.
Following industry best practices, we use a two-pronged approach. Plant-based pyrethrin insecticides target adult fleas and ticks, and an insect growth regulator prevents the next generation of pests from maturing so that you can stop the infestation for good. We also take the time to assess your property and recommend non-chemical solutions.
Integrated Pest Management for Fleas and Ticks
Arachnids and insects both require moisture to survive. Here in the nation’s driest city, the climate works in your favor. Your property will be much less hospitable to these pests if you keep your yard well manicured. Logs, dead leaves and landscape trimmings also create nice hiding spots for scorpions, rodents and other pests. Use xeriscape principles, and minimize artificial irrigation. Lush overwatered and overfertilized lawns provide a valuable source of moisture that fleas and ticks need.
When used in conjunction with other methods, these IPM practices reduce the use of chemicals, enhance treatment results and prevent recurrences. At Yuma Pest, our experts carefully assess your yard and your home to determine where fleas and ticks are hiding. We consider the life cycle, the climate and a variety of factors to develop a treatment plan that delivers optimal results.
Good service for someone who is seasonal.
Harvey E – Wellton, AZ
Contact Yuma Pest
If you’re concerned about flea or tick infestations, contact Yuma Pest today. We offer customized treatment plans with an emphasis on ecological integrated pest management techniques. We’ll be happy to give you a free quote for any of our services.
