_APPEARANCE Fleas are black to brownish-black, about one-twelfth to one-sixteenth inch long. Tick adults are very small, roundish with six to eight legs and are about one-eighth to one-half an inch long.

_HABITS

Fleas are found on dogs and cats year-round, but are most common during warm and humid weather. A number of diseases are transmitted by fleas. Ticks are found on a wide variety of mammals, birds and reptiles.

_DIET

Blood.

_REPRODUCTION

Female fleas can lay up to 800 eggs during her lifetime. The life span of fleas is usually around 100 days. Ticks indoor cycle begins with up to 5,000 eggs laid in floor cracks and carpets; eggs hatch in 19 to 60 days; larvae will lay in wait for contact with suitable host.

__SIGNS OF INFESTATION

Dark specks on your pet, accompanied by uncontrollable itching and hair loss. "Salt and pepper" found where the pet has been sleeping is a mixture of flea eggs (white) and dried blood (black). Ticks will swell to a considerable size after feeding.

_DISCOURAGING FLEA AND TICK ACTIVITY

On the same day as your scheduled pest control visit, take your pet to a veterinarian for flea and tick treatment. This dual-treatment is essential to effective flea and tick control.

_OTHER INFORMATION

Adult fleas can live one to two months without feeding. Adult ticks can live over 500 days without feeding.

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