If you have dogs or cats, you’ve likely dealt with fleas or ticks at some point. By the time they’re noticeable, populations may already be established in your yard — and sometimes inside your home.
Fleas and ticks are more than a nuisance. They bite, spread disease, trigger allergic reactions, and reproduce quickly under the right conditions. Early intervention is critical to preventing a small issue from becoming a full infestation.
At Avista Pest Control, we provide targeted, professional flea and tick treatments designed to protect your home, yard, and pets.
Background on Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of animals and, occasionally, humans.
Fleas
- Small, wingless insects that jump onto hosts
- Live primarily on pets but lay eggs in carpets, bedding, and upholstery
- Reproduce rapidly — a single female flea can lay hundreds of eggs over her lifetime
Flea eggs fall off the host and develop in flooring, pet bedding, and yard debris. This is why infestations often persist even after pets are treated.
Ticks
- Eight-legged arachnids (related to spiders)
- Found primarily outdoors in tall grass, brush, and wooded areas
- Attach firmly to hosts and feed slowly
Ticks do not infest homes the same way fleas do, but they can be brought indoors on pets or clothing.
Dangers Fleas and Ticks Pose to People, Pets and Homes
Fleas and ticks pose legitimate health concerns.
Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)
Many pets — and some people — are highly sensitive to flea saliva. Even a single bite can cause:
- Intense itching and scratching
- Hair loss (especially in pets)
- Red, irritated skin
- Open sores from excessive scratching
Disease Transmission
Fleas and ticks can transmit several serious illnesses.
Flea-associated diseases may include:
- Murine typhus
- Tularemia
- Plague (rare, but documented in the U.S.)
Ticks are known to transmit:
- Lyme disease
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
Protecting your yard helps protect your family and pets.
Why Infestations Spread Quickly
Fleas reproduce in cycles. Eggs hatch into larvae, then pupae, and finally adults. The pupal stage can remain dormant until vibrations (like footsteps or pet movement) trigger emergence.
This is why vacuuming alone rarely solves a flea problem — it may actually stimulate hatching.
Ticks, on the other hand, thrive in shaded, moist outdoor environments and often hitch rides into yards via wildlife such as raccoons, opossums, rodents, and feral animals.
Preventing Fleas & Ticks
Proactive yard and home maintenance reduces risk.
Yard Management
- Keep grass mowed and shrubs trimmed
- Remove leaf litter and organic debris
- Limit moisture buildup
- Discourage wildlife by securing trash and removing outdoor pet food
Indoor Prevention
- Wash pet bedding regularly
- Vacuum carpets and upholstery frequently
- Groom and bathe pets routinely
- Use veterinarian-recommended preventatives
While these steps help reduce risk, established infestations often require professional treatment.
Professional Flea & Tick Treatment
If fleas have developed indoors, treatment must address:
- Carpets and flooring
- Upholstered furniture
- Pet resting areas
- Cracks and crevices
Outdoor flea and tick control focuses on:
- Shaded lawn areas
- Under decks and porches
- Fence lines and landscaping beds
At Avista Pest Control, we use targeted treatment protocols designed to break the reproductive cycle and reduce breeding environments both inside and outside the home.
Because flea life cycles vary, follow-up treatments may be recommended to ensure complete control.
Protect Your Home & Pets
Flea and tick infestations are frustrating — but they are manageable with the right strategy.
If your pets are scratching excessively or you’re noticing bites, contact Avista Pest Control today for a professional inspection and customized treatment plan.
Safe. Strategic. Effective.