Flea and Tick Control

How to Identify Fleas

Fleas may be small, but they can cause major headaches for homeowners. Unlike many other pests, fleas are wingless insects that can jump long distances relative to their size. Their bodies are typically flattened, making it easier for them to move through animal fur or carpeting undetected.

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Characteristics of Fleas

• Flattened Bodies: Fleas have thin, side-to-side flattened bodies, helping them hide between hairs on pets or in fabric fibers.
• Powerful Jumpers: Their strong hind legs enable fleas to leap onto passing hosts.
• Reddish-Brown Color: Fleas often appear dark brown or reddish-brown, making them difficult to spot against dark materials.
• Small Size: These pests usually measure between 1/12 and 1/6 of an inch, which makes close inspection necessary for accurate identification.

Where Do Fleas Hide in Your Home

Fleas tend to gravitate toward warm, quiet areas—particularly when pets are involved. Common hiding spots include:

• Carpets and rugs – Fleas thrive within the fibers, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Pet bedding – A primary breeding ground due to warmth and easy access to a food source.
• Upholstered furniture – Cushions and fabric can harbor fleas and eggs.
• Cracks and crevices – Small gaps in floors or walls offer safe hiding spots.
• Anywhere pets spend time – This includes your pet’s favorite resting places or bedding.

Our skilled technicians go beyond the surface, conducting detailed evaluations that uncover hidden flea hotspots. Once we determine the extent of the problem, we tailor a plan that addresses your specific situation, keeping your family and property well-protected

How to Identify Ticks

A quick way to distinguish ticks from insects is to note that ticks, like spiders, are arachnids—they typically have two main body sections and eight legs, whereas insects have three body sections and six legs. Ticks feed on the blood of humans or animals, making them a potential health concern in and around your Charlotte home.

Characteristics of Ticks

• Arachnid Classification: Ticks have four pairs of legs once they reach the adult stage.
• Mouthparts (Capitulum): The front portion of a tick’s body contains specialized mouthparts that latch onto a host’s skin to feed.
• Engorgement: When a tick feeds, its body can expand significantly, changing size and color.
• Lifecycle Changes: Ticks pass through multiple stages (egg, larva, nymph, adult), each with slightly different physical traits and leg counts.

Where Do Ticks Hide in Your Home

While ticks are usually encountered outdoors in grassy or wooded areas, they can hitch a ride indoors on people or pets. Common hiding spots include:

• Pet Bedding – Warm, cozy places are prime spots for ticks to drop off and breed.
• Upholstered Furniture – Cushions and fabric can trap ticks and allow them to stay hidden.
• Carpets and Rugs – Ticks can burrow deep into fibers, waiting for a new host.
• Cracks and Crevices – They often seek out small, dark places to hide during their off-host stages.
• Anywhere Pets Frequent – Any area where your pets spend a lot of time is a potential tick habitat.

Our tick-control pros don’t stop at the obvious. We comb through tall grass, leaf litter, and shady edges—every spot ticks love to hide. After pinpointing the problem areas, we design a treatment plan that shields your family, pets, and property from these disease-carrying pests.