What do they look like?:
Fleas are wingless and about 2.5 mm in length. They don’t fly, but can jump long distances. They are covered in small spines with piercing mouthparts. Their bodies are shiny and reddish brown in color.

Behavior & Habits:
Adult fleas draw blood from the host and their larvae feed on organic leftovers from the feces of the adult flea that contains undigested blood. The eggs of a flea are not attached to the host. Rather, they will hatch on the ground, carpet, rug, upholstery or cracks in the floor. This hatching process takes only two days!

Your New Roommates:
Most commonly, you can detect flea activity by your pet repeatedly scratching themselves in certain areas. This itching is caused by the flea as it actively feeds on the pet’s blood. We advise that you get the pet a thorough examination of its fur by a veterinarian. People may also experience bites that leave itchy bite marks. If you believe the bite is caused from a flea, consult a medical doctor. However, there are a lot of other bugs that can cause bites that do not need medical attention. Another way to know you have a flea problem could be the flea dirt, which looks similar to grains of pepper and will be found in carpets, rugs or other places like the pet’s bed.

I bet you didn’t know this:
The most common flea in North America is the cat flea. While dog fleas are also common, the cat flea is most popular since it prefers to feed on very hairy animals. It’s important to note that although it is rare, fleas can also feed on humans and some people develop allergies. Fleas can also carry diseases such as tularemia and typhus.

Do-it-Yourself Ineffectiveness:
Flea infestations require intensive treatment plans that both a pest control company and a vet need to address. Effective flea control needs both chemical and physical processes that should be done on your pet, as well as inside and outside your home. Early detection is key to prevention of a full out infestation. Therefore, if you detect your pet with a constant itch sensation, contact your vet and BOOM right away.

What do they look like?:
Ticks range in color and size. Adults have eight legs and are smaller than a sunflower seed. They are most commonly found living near high vegetated or wooded areas. They love this type of environment since they can easily attach themselves to animals or humans passing by.

Why should I worry about ticks?:
Ticks are a huge nuisance. However, an even bigger danger resides from a tick infestation left untreated. The most common ticks are the black-legged tick, American dog tick, and lone star tick. These species can transmit diseases that can be harmful to humans. Ticks cause more reported illness in the United States than mosquitoes. According to the Centers for Diseases Control (CDC), this fact makes Lyme disease the most common vector-borne disease in the United States.

I bet you didn’t know this:
In 2004, the CDC reported 21,000 Americans developed Lyme disease because of tick-related bites. To prevent ticks, wear protective clothing when outdoors by highly wooded areas and move children’s play areas away from trees and shrubs.

Do-it-Yourself Ineffectiveness:
Anyone suspecting a health concern related to ticks should contact a pest control professional right away. BOOM can help identify areas in and around your home that are inviting to ticks and help treat the problem. If someone you know has been affected by a tick and develops a fever or rash, contact medical help immediately.