What are fleas and ticks?

Fleas and ticks are both ectoparasites that feed solely on human and animal blood from outside of their bodies. Fleas are a type of insect and are brownish-red or dark brown. Their oval-shaped body is flattened from side to side and covered in a hard-shell. Their body shape and hard exterior help protect them from being squished. Fleas have six legs and tube-like mouthparts they use to feed on the blood of a host.

Ticks are arachnids, and adults have eight legs and two body parts. The soft, oval body of a tick is wingless and has a hard plate behind the head. They have specialized biting mouthparts that allow them to bite through a host’s skin, bury their head in the skin, and consume a blood meal.

Cat fleas and dog fleas are both present in our area, but don’t let their names fool you; both feed on a variety of hosts in addition to cats and dogs. Mice, rats, skunks, raccoons, deer, squirrels, other wild animals, and people are also hosts for fleas.

Brown dog ticks and wood ticks are common throughout South Carolina. They also feed on a variety of hosts, including people, wild animals, and our pets.

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Are fleas and ticks dangerous?

Fleas and ticks are not only dangerous to our pets but to people as well. Ticks especially are vectors of various diseases that make people, pets, and wild animals ill. In South Carolina, ticks commonly spread the following diseases:

Fleas aren’t as well known for spreading diseases, but they are well-known for causing itchy rashes on people and animals allergic to their saliva. Excessive itching at the bite sites will lead to unsightly scabbing and the possibility of a secondary infection developing.

Both fleas and ticks are unwelcome in our yards and homes. They make it difficult to enjoy our outdoor and indoor spaces to their fullest potential.

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Why Choose Greenville Pest Control?

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Why do I have a flea and tick problem?

Fleas and ticks are mainly outdoor pests because that is where their preferred hosts live. The biggest reason fleas and ticks are on your property is because an animal brought them there, whether it be a wild animal, your pet, or a neighborhood pet. As animals travel, flea eggs and engorged ticks will fall off of their hosts and onto the ground, where they will continue through their life stages until they are ready for a new host to feed on.

Fleas are powerful jumpers, and when adults are ready to feed, they will jump onto a passing host. Ticks are wingless and cannot jump, so the easiest way for them to find a host is to climb onto grass or rest in areas of dense vegetation and wait for a person or animal to brush past them that they can climb onto.

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Where will I find fleas and ticks?

Fleas can become a problem both in our yards or inside our homes. Fleas can complete their life cycle indoors after being introduced into a structure. Just a couple of fleas getting into your house can quickly develop into a large-scale infestation.

Ticks are more of a concern outside in our yards rather than in our homes. Most ticks are unable to complete their life cycle indoors. Outside, ticks are most likely to be hiding in tall grass, under leaf or woodpiles, along wooded trails, and along fence lines.

How do I get rid of fleas and ticks?

The best way to quickly get rid of fleas or ticks from your South Carolina property is to partner with an experienced professional. At Greenville Pest Control, our professionals will implement regular pest control services to ensure problems with fleas and ticks are taken care of now and in the future.

If you live in the Greenville, South Carolina area and are experiencing issues with fleas and ticks, reach out to the local professionals at Greenville Pest Control. We always try to go above and beyond for our customers, solving pest problems while having your family’s safety at the forefront of everything we do. To learn more about our fleas and tick control solutions, give us a call today!

How can I prevent fleas and ticks in the future?

In addition to our home pest control and commercial pest control services, protect your property from fleas and ticks with the following prevention tips:

Place fencing around your property to limit the number of wild animals and neighborhood pests visiting your yard.
Place lids on trash cans, remove bird feeders, and pick up uneaten pet food to avoid attracting wild animals to your yard.
Keep shrubs, bushes, and other vegetation well-maintained to prevent it from overgrowing and providing hiding spots for wild animals, fleas, and ticks.
Cut grass regularly to keep it short.
If you own pets, place them on a year-round flea preventative program.
Vacuum your home regularly and regularly wash pet bedding to eliminate stray fleas and ticks.

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Folks Love Greenville Pest Control

Take a look at what our customers have to say

    
 
 
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   Imagine Kitchen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kevin did an amazing job and even made recommendations to keep my clients and me from dealing with extra pest control problems in the future.
  
 
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   Joseph Antenucci 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great family owned company. Adam and his dad Daniel were amazing. Would definitely recommend!
  
 
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   Jake Thompson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Greenville Pest Control has been great for us. They spray inside, outside, and the detached garage. Since we have been a customer, we have been very satisfied with the service. We had issues with ants, cockroaches, and other bugs when we first moved in, and have had zero issues since service started. The technicians are very friendly and knowledgeable in pest control. The best part is they won’t try and upsell you on the services that you don’t need. They also have been able to come on short notice to deal any problems we have. I would highly recommend if you need pest control in the Greenville area.
  
 
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   Pedro Garcia 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best in the business they are knowledgeable and quick to response and very fair reasonable pricing! Adam and Will both have great work ethic no job is a problem for them they will help you solve it! I will continue to use their services for many many years to come! Highly recommend!
  
 
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   Braxton Bassie 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Responsive and ready to help!
  
 
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   Clay Bowden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Will and Adam have been extremely consistent and thorough with their service since we began working together. After several failed experiences with other exterminator services, Greenville Pest Control was able to solve our rodent problem in a way that made us feel confident moving forward. Would recommend Greenville Pest Control to all our friends and neighbors!
  
 
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   Michael Dresser 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a fantastic experience! Quick, reliable, and exceeded my expectations. Great quality and service every time. Highly recommend!
  
 
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   Merydith Hotchkin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service! The team was professional, efficient, and made sure everything was done to perfection. Highly recommend for anyone looking for top-notch quality and customer care. Five stars all the way!