Two small pests, fleas and ticks, are the source of a myriad of pet health problems that also happens to bring the “yuck” factor to our lives.
You might be surprised to learn that they actually have more differences than similarities. Many pet owners confuse fleas and ticks, treating the two pests as interchangeable – and totally irritating – problems.
Although they have a few commonalities, fleas and ticks are distinct in numerous ways. In this article, we’ll examine the main contrasts between two of the most common pet pests.
We’re often asked about the differences between fleas and ticks, since our indispensable tick removal tool, the TickZapper®, is routinely used by pet owners to quickly, easily, and safely remove ticks from the pets, without the risk of human contact. The patented self-energizing technology of the TickZapper® stuns and removes ticks – including mouthparts. While this tick removal tool can be used to assist in preventing tick-borne diseases, it is not for use on fleas.
OK, back to the disgusting duo, these unappealing super pests. Let’s look at the principal differences (and there are many) between fleas and ticks.
Know Your Fleas and Ticks: Main Distinctions between These Two Pests
Fleas and ticks differ in the most fundamental way: biology. While fleas are insects, ticks are in the arachnid family. The tick’s strange, unsettling, herky-jerky crawling motion is explained by its relation (however slight) to all spider species on the planet. So you’re not alone in thinking that ticks are creepy, since they’re related to tarantulas, black widows, wolf spiders, and all the rest.
In the lifespan department, it’s no contest: while ticks can live for up to 3 years, most fleas die after roughly 100 days. This might have something to do with their preferred host(s). Fleas are the “lazy” type of parasite. Once they’ve attached to your pet, they stay put until they die.
Ticks, on the other hand, are a more opportunistic feeder. They’ll patiently wait without a host until the “right” one comes along, hopefully not your beloved pet! If you happen to find one on your pet, the TickZapper® will remove the tick with minimal hassle.
Then again, the difference in lifespan is likely due to the tick’s tenacity and toughness. While fleas prefer warm temperatures, ticks can survive temperatures in the freezing range. Ticks survive in conditions that would kill most fleas, while actively pursuing hosts!
Fleas are usually tougher to spot than ticks (individually), since they’re only about 1/8” long. Ticks can reach lengths up to 1/4”, though most species are about half that size. Despite their smaller profile, fleas have considerable range in approaching (and attaching to) hosts. That’s due to their amazing jumping ability.
Even Michael Jordan or LeBron James can’t keep up with the typical flea’s athleticism; a tiny flea can jump up to two feet in the air. Ticks can’t jump. Thankfully, the eight-legged pest didn’t get any leaping ability from its distant cousin, the jumping spider.
Just like feeding habits, breeding patterns also differ significantly. Fleas can only lay about 30 eggs per day, on average. Once a female tick is done feeding, it drops off the host and lays thousands of eggs in a short amount of time.
As you can see, fleas and ticks are definitely not two peas in a pod. Figuring out the differences between these two common pests will help you know how to deal with them, along with creating a pet-healthy environment that discourages them from feeding on your pet.
Protect Your Pet with the Best Tick Removal Tool: TickZapper®
Knowing the difference between ticks and fleas helps you identify which pests are bugging your pet. Both types of pests pose problems for your furry friend, but only one is responsible for serious, health-hazardous tick-borne diseases.
Ticks are a source of many health problems, so it helps to have the ultimate carry-anywhere, ready-anytime tick removal tool. The TickZapper® will remove any eight-legged pest, even if you don’t know how to remove a tick – it’s that easy to use!
With the TickZapper®, you can easily remove ticks from your dogs, cats, and other pets. Learn more about our revolutionary tick prevention accessory here. If you’re interested in purchasing a TickZapper® today, visit our website store today.
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