What are fleas and ticks and how harmful are they?

Fleas and ticks are parasites that can be commonly found on your pet’s body. These nasty bugs hide under your pet’s soft fur, feed on their blood, and spread and transmit diseases. They can be very dangerous and can cause serious ailments for both you and your pet that’s why getting rid of them is a must. But before dealing with them, it is vital that you understand the nature of these parasites. That’s why we’ve gathered and compiled this list to help you correctly identify these parasites and understand how they affect your pet’s health.

Fleas	Ticks
Fleas have six legs and jump around (due to their lack of wings) from lawns to hosts.	Ticks are arachnids that have six to eight legs.
Adult fleas are more likely to stick to one host and stay there until they die. Their lifespan can last up to 2 to 3 months.	Ticks, on the other hand, feed on multiple hosts and can live up to 3 years in various environments.
Fleas thrive in warm environments and are more active and present during warmer climates.	Ticks are also likely to thrive in warm environments but they can also survive in cold climates.
Fleas usually live outdoors and are typically located in shady areas, near long grass or bushes. They are sensitive to vibration and immediately latches and use their incredible jumping ability to attach themselves to the host nearby.	Ticks are usually located in wooded or bushy areas outside your home. They usually just wait around and latch onto their host as they walk by. They can attach themselves to both humans and pets.
Fleas can cause skin issues, flea allergy dermatitis, and may carry tapeworms that can cause serious complications for both humans and pets.	Ticks can transmit potentially deadly diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia, babesiosis, and more.

What are fleas and ticks and how harmful are they?Updated 2 years ago