Flea and Tick Control
The bond we feel with this Oklahoma community is undoubtedly the driving force behind our business. To serve our client's home or business is to serve our own. We have worked diligently to provide top-tier flea and tick pest control to our friends, family, neighbors, and loved ones, and last but certainly not least, our pets and wildlife!
We have served Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Stillwater metro areas since 1979. This neighborhood is our home too, and we feel it is our duty to protect our community from the disease and infection spread by pesky infestations and bites. Act now to join us and keep your yard safe and healthy for the summer!
The Differences Between Fleas and Ticks
These two pests are often mentioned together, but some key differences exist. Check the chart below to learn more about their similarities and differences.
| Where do they live? | Nearly every climate. Can sustain until below freezing. | Warmer climates. |
| What illnesses do they spread? | Namely, but not exclusively, Rock Mountain Spotted Fever, Lyme Disease | Dipylidium (tapeworm), bartonellosis (sometimes referred to as Cat Scratch Fever) |
| In what stage of life do they feed? | All stages (larval, nymph, adult) | Adult |
| How many hosts do they have? | Multiple. Ticks attach and fill with blood from a host, then find for another. | Usually one, sometimes multiple. A flea may live and die, feeding on only one host. |
| What is their lifespan? | 3-10 years | Approximately 100 days |
| How many eggs do they produce? | Thousands at one time. | 20-40 eggs per day for several weeks. The more they feed, the more they produce. |
| Description | Arachnid, eight legs, flat oval-shaped body, dark brown or tortoiseshell pattern in color. Females can have a light red/orange abdomen. After feeding, they are gray/gray-blue in color. | Insect, six legs, dark brown or dark red/brown in color, and wingless oval-shaped body. |
Oklahoma Flea Species
Fleas can be a menace! They are nearly invisible to the naked eye. But do not let their size fool you; they are more of a threat than they seem. Fleas are commonly associated with dogs, but everyday animals can bring them to your property. Squirrels or raccoons can transfer them to your yard just by passing by, and once local, they can jump to attach to shoes, clothes, pets, or any potential food source.
Fleas draw blood for nourishment, and if you are bitten, there's a possibility of the transfer of disease alongside the small, itchy red bumps on the skin. Fleas can also breed or lay eggs on their host and spread the infestation throughout your yard or garden. Without fast, effective treatment, it is possible that the fleas still make their way into your home.
Fibrous materials like rugs and carpet, drapes, upholstery, and other furniture make it difficult to spot any fleas that hitched a ride inside. You must treat as soon as possible if fleas are discovered to avoid an infestation inside your home. Not all fleas are created equal, and it is essential to know the differences when dealing with these pests. Common flea species are:
Cat Fleas
Don't let the name fool you; this species is found on dogs and cats. Difficult to see with the naked eye, adults only grow to be about a quarter of an inch long. Though small, these tiny black and brown insects are excellent jumpers and leap off grasses and brush to latch on to their host. Sharp prongs break the skin and give them access to their food source, blood. These fleas are not picky eaters and have been known to bite and feed on various mammals. Cat fleas make up 95% of flea infestations in the US.
Dog Fleas
Mainly found on dogs or cats, occasionally rabbits, or other domesticated pets. The anatomical difference between cat and dog fleas can only be seen under a microscope.
Rat Fleas
Due to their host of choice, rat fleas should be handled with great care. Since rats spread disease rampantly, so can the fleas that feed on them. These fleas can spread many infections to you or your pets.
These pests have two feeding phases: larval and adult. In the larval phase, they feed on skin cells, animal hair, and sometimes other flea excrements. Adult fleas are out for blood. Like the other fleas, they have a fantastic ability to jump and will attach to a passerby with ease.
Oklahoma Tick Species
Equally pesky, ticks work somewhat differently than fleas. Similarly, ticks feast on blood and try to attach to warm-bodied hosts when possible. Though they cannot jump, they climb to a higher point, like the tip of a blade of grass, and wait until an unsuspecting victim passes too close. These insects do not lay eggs on their host.
The female must detach from a host to lay eggs, which can hide in your yard or home. You may have heard that ticks spread the potentially deadly Lyme disease. This is true, and it passes through a tick's bite. These hungry insects require their fill of blood to develop and are always on the search for more.
Hard-Shell Ticks
Long grass, bush, weed, and brush dwellers, hard-shell ticks are common in many parts of the US. A typical life includes three cycles: larval, nymph, and adult. Hard-shell ticks are most active during the daytime.
Listed here are some of the more common hard-shell tick species:
Blacklegged tick
Infamous for spreading Lyme disease, this tick is one to cause concern. As its namesake suggests, it has dark, black legs that hoist up a red-brown body. Blacklegged ticks are numerous in the Midwest and Northeast regions of the US.
American dog tick
This species is similar to the blacklegged tick in size and coloring. Notably found along the west coast and east of the Rocky Mountains.
Gulf Coast ticks
States that border the Gulf of Mexico host this tick, but they are not the only place it is found. This brown-colored tick has also been seen in several other states along the east coast.
Soft-Shell Ticks
Listed here are some of the more common soft-shell tick species:
Listed here are some of the more common soft-shell tick species:
Common fowl ticks
Sometimes called "chicken ticks," "poultry ticks," or "blue bugs" primarily due to their dwelling in or around chicken and turkey pens.
Relapsing fever ticks
These ticks live near or with rodents and can cause relapsing fever. Referred to as TBRF (tick-borne relapsing fever), relapsing fever is a bacterial infection that can cause recurring bouts of fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, and nausea.
Note: Relapsing fever presents in waves of 3 to 7-day cycles. The CDC has not developed a specific treatment for TBRF; however, penicillin, tetracycline, and other antimicrobial medication administered for 10-14 days effectively resolve the illness.
Health Complications Caused by Ticks
Ticks are notorious for health problems beyond the bite. Like fleas, they can spread disease to pets and their humans.
Lyme Disease
There is one significant disease associated directly with ticks called Lyme disease. Lyme disease is a bacterial infection you get from the bite of an infected tick. At first, Lyme disease usually causes symptoms such as a rash, fever, headache, and fatigue. But if it is not treated early, the infection can spread to your joints, heart, and nervous system. Prompt treatment can help you recover quickly. Speaking to your vet about the Lyme disease vaccine is recommended in high-risk areas.
Cytauxzoonosis
A lesser-known disease but highly fatal to cats, cytauxzoonosis is a tick-borne disease contracted when a tick bites an infected bobcat. Afterward, if an infected tick bites a domestic cat, it passes along the disease. It used to be thought that domestic cats would almost always die if contracted. Through increased awareness and modern treatment, that risk has been mitigated to an approximate 40% death rate. Symptoms are clinical lethargy, fever, and inappetence within 5-20 days after the tick bite.
Oklahoma's Flea and Tick Control Experts
Just because fleas, ticks, and other pests are a common warm weather obstacle does not mean we do not understand them. When temperatures start to rise, outdoor activities increase. This leaves our children and pets enjoying the outdoors more vulnerable to carrying critters inside or getting bitten. When fleas and ticks bite or latch onto the skin, particularly in our furry friends, the chances of in-home infestation climb dramatically. Our services provide a reliable defense against these insects and allow for peace of mind so we may enjoy the great outdoors.
Our flea and tick control service focuses on evaluating your landscape and attacking any preexisting populations that might have already moved into your yard. We have tested our methods and procedures time and time again to assure you that you are receiving the highest quality service in the area. It is not hard for pests to move in, but with our simple program, it is easy to serve them an eviction notice. You are on your way to a cleaner, safer, and more functional outdoor living space with a few quick steps.
Flea and Tick Prevention
Don't assume that indoor pets are 100% safe from fleas and ticks. Visiting people or pets can bring them in from the outside. Even taking your pet for a walk could lead to an infestation.
Most vets will recommend a prescription strength, monthly preventative to keep your pet safe. Depending on your home and its surroundings, outdoor treatment may also be recommended. And, of course, always check your pet (and yourself) if you adventure into high-risk areas.
How to Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks
If you suspect or see clear signs of infestation, act immediately! First, disinfect and wash all bedding, any washable rugs, drapes, etc., and other furniture covers. Thoroughly vacuum and clean everywhere else. For maximum protection, notify your vet and look to a professional pest service to check and treat all stages of fleas and ticks, from eggs to adults.
Most Importantly, Stay Calm
Fleas and ticks are a menace but can be dealt with quickly. Taking precautionary steps significantly impacts the scale of infestation in and around the home. If you notice fleas or ticks, keep calm, and take action. In the end, precaution protects your pets and family so that you may find solace in your happy, healthy home.