Ticks & Fleas: Species, Diseases & Control

Ticks (ectoparasites) and fleas transmit serious diseases—beyond mere nuisance.

Ticks

• Soft ticks: No hard shell; feed <1 hr; transmit disease in minutes.
• Hard ticks: Hard plate; feed hours–days; disease at meal end.
• Diseases: Lyme, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Ticks = #2 disease vector (after mosquitoes).

Fleas

• Wingless, 1/16–1/8″, dark/reddish-brown; jump 1200–2200× body length.
• Bites: itchy, red, raised; allergic reactions common.
• Diseases: bubonic plague, viral/bacterial pathogens.

Prevention & Control

• Daily tick checks (light clothing in tick zones; repellents).
• Proper removal (head must come out—medical help if needed).
• Fleas: borax on pet bedding, wash fabrics, dehumidifier disrupts cycle.
• Best: NJ pest control pro for comprehensive tick/flea elimination.