Fleas and ticks

Example of a tick

Ticks are generally picked up in areas where field or lawns meet forested areas or bushland. They will cling to the ends of leaves or grass and jump onto their host.

Fleas are found in similar settings but more common way you'll notice them is if you lapse on a pets flea treatment and they get on them. Once an infestation is present they will be in the lawn or the floor of the home and fleas will jump onto your legs as you walk past them.

Both are parasitic and drink the blood of their host.

Ticks on the end of wheat stalk

The main role they serve is population control of the host and enabling nutrients to cycle through an ecosystem. Many animals groom one another or have symbiotic relationships in which one animal (such as a bird) will eat the ticks of of another animal (such as an elephant or cattle). This relationship protects the host animal and feeds the other cycling the nutrients from.

In a residential setting it doesn't contribute to the ecosystem in the same way and they can harm cats, dogs, birds and people with no real benefit. 

Example of a tick

Ticks and fleas can carry some nasty diseases and can cause rashes or allergic reactions. They can effect both humans and animals and so it is important to have your pets flea treated.

Side profile of a flea under a microscope

Blanket spraying the affected areas is the primary chemical treatment. Any cats or dogs MUST be treated on the same day (not by me, take them to the vet). You will need to remain active in area with fleas as their eggs will only hatch if there is vibrations and when they hatch they will be killed by the products.