Fleas and ticks are a common problem here in the United States and find the perfect host on the soft fur of cats and dogs where they are then able to feed off of the blood of these household pets. The bites which occur from both fleas and ticks are then able to cause a variety of health problems for pets such as tapeworm and allergic reactions or even other serious illnesses which can be carried by fleas and ticks and then transferred to a pet. Worldwide there are more than 1500 species of fleas and more than 90% of them live on a variety of species of mammals such as cats and dogs.
Because of the prevalence of these pests, most of the skin conditions and dermatological conditions which require veterinary treatment are attributed to these pests. Some animals are more susceptible to flea and tick bites and many experience a serious allergic reaction which causes severe itching and skin irritation. Another common problem which is associated with fleas is that flea allergy dermatitis, rickettsiosis, tapeworms and cat scratch disease can also be transmitted from a single flea bite. When fleas have fed off of rodents they may also carry serious diseases as well such as murine typhus; although the occurrence of this condition is much lower.
Due to the fact that fleas need relative humidity to survive as well as warm temperatures which are above 70 degrees, the region is going to dictate the prevalence of fleas and ticks throughout the year. In warmer more humid climates flea infestations can last all year long; however in areas such as the Midwestern United States flea activity is prevalent during the months of May through November. Both fleas and ticks feed externally of the blood of warm blooded mammals with some species of fleas and all ticks also feeding on humans as well as animals.
There are more than 850 species of ticks found worldwide with many of these species having the ability to survive for many years without a food source without starving. Ticks are not considered to be an insect, and instead fall into the arachnids’ category with spiders and chiggers. The distinguishing characteristics are the fact that they have eight legs and their body is in two distinct segments. Insects such as fleas have six legs and three body segments. Ticks are commonly located in outdoor areas such as grassy fields or forests and typically rest between three feet and ground level because they are good climbers. Ticks are unable to jump or fly; however, they are able to climb very well. Ticks typically cannot survive indoors due to their need for humidity levels of 80% or higher.
Fleas on the other hand are able to live and thrive indoors as long as the conditions are right and can even live within carpet, mattresses and furniture where they can be very hard to get rid of. Adult fleas must feed within a week of maturation; however, after the initial feeding they are then able to sustain in between feedings for up to a year. Another reason why fleas are so hard to get rid of is because they have the ability to jump between 7-13 inches at a time making them hard to locate and kill. For this reason, Americans spent more than nine billion dollars annually fighting to control fleas within their homes and yards.
There are more than 850 species of ticks found worldwide with many of these species having the ability to survive for many years without a food source without starving. Ticks are not considered to be an insect, and instead fall into the arachnids’ category with spiders and chiggers. The distinguishing characteristics are the fact that they have eight legs and their body is in two distinct segments. Insects such as fleas have six legs and three body segments. Ticks are commonly located in outdoor areas such as grassy fields or forests and typically rest between three feet and ground level because they are good climbers. Ticks are unable to jump or fly; however, they are able to climb very well. Ticks typically cannot survive indoors due to their need for humidity levels of 80% or higher.
Fleas on the other hand are able to live and thrive indoors as long as the conditions are right and can even live within carpet, mattresses and furniture where they can be very hard to get rid of. Adult fleas must feed within a week of maturation; however, after the initial feeding they are then able to sustain in between feedings for up to a year. Another reason why fleas are so hard to get rid of is because they have the ability to jump between 7-13 inches at a time making them hard to locate and kill. For this reason, Americans spent more than nine billion dollars annually fighting to control fleas within their homes and yards.
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