Summer brings sunshine, outdoor fun, and unfortunately, an uptick in flea and tick activity. These blood-sucking parasites don’t just make your pets miserable—they also pose serious health risks to both animals and humans. In warm and humid regions like Delaware, fleas and ticks thrive during the summer, making proactive prevention more critical than ever.

In this article, we’ll walk you through why fleas and ticks are a threat, how to spot early signs, and what you can do to protect your furry companions this season.

Why Summer is Flea and Tick Season

Fleas and ticks are most active when temperatures rise above 65°F and humidity levels soar—conditions that are typical from May to September in Delaware. Here’s why they become a real problem:

  • Increased Outdoor Activity: Pets spend more time outside, exploring gardens, parks, and trails.

  • Favorable Breeding Conditions: Heat accelerates the life cycle of fleas and ticks.

  • Higher Wildlife Movement: Raccoons, squirrels, and deer that carry ticks are more visible in summer, bringing pests into your yard.

Even a brief walk in a grassy area can expose your dog or cat to these parasites.

Fleas and Ticks: What’s the Difference?

While both are external parasites, they differ in how they behave and what risks they carry:

Feature Fleas Ticks
Size Tiny (1-3 mm), reddish-brown Larger (up to 5 mm), black or brown
Habitat Carpets, bedding, grass Tall grass, shrubs, wooded areas
Movement Jump from host to host Crawl and latch onto passing hosts
Disease Risk Flea allergy, tapeworms, anemia Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis

Health Risks for Pets and People

Both fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance. They carry serious diseases that can be fatal if untreated:

  • Lyme Disease (transmitted by ticks): Can lead to fever, joint pain, and kidney damage in dogs.

  • Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD): A severe skin condition caused by flea bites.

  • Anemia: Fleas can drain enough blood from small animals to cause lethargy or even death.

  • Zoonotic Infections: Ticks can transmit diseases to humans too, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

How to Spot Fleas or Ticks on Your Pet

Catching the problem early is key. Watch for these signs:

Flea Symptoms

  • Excessive scratching or biting, especially near the tail or belly

  • Tiny black specks (flea dirt) in your pet’s fur

  • Red bumps or hair loss

  • Restlessness or irritability

Tick Symptoms

  • A visible lump or dark spot (tick attached)

  • Limping or swollen joints (if infected)

  • Fever or fatigue

  • Loss of appetite

Always inspect your pet’s ears, neck, underarms, groin, and between toes after outdoor activity.

Prevention Tips: How to Keep Fleas and Ticks Away

1. Use Vet-Recommended Preventatives

Monthly flea and tick preventatives are your first line of defense. Options include:

  • Topical treatments (e.g., Frontline, Advantage)

  • Oral medications (e.g., NexGard, Bravecto)

  • Flea collars (e.g., Seresto)

Consult your vet before starting any new treatment, especially for young, old, or ill pets.

2. Maintain a Pest-Free Yard

Ticks and fleas often enter your home via your yard. Control them by:

  • Mowing your lawn regularly

  • Removing leaf litter and tall grass

  • Keeping shrubs trimmed

  • Installing gravel or woodchip borders around play areas

  • Limiting access to wildlife

If your yard is heavily infested, consider professional Pest Control Service to eliminate ticks and fleas at the source.

3. Clean Your Home Thoroughly

Once fleas enter your house, they can lay hundreds of eggs in carpets, bedding, and furniture.

  • Wash pet bedding weekly in hot water

  • Vacuum daily during outbreaks (especially carpets and sofas)

  • Use flea sprays or foggers for home treatment if necessary

  • Empty your vacuum bag outdoors

4. Groom and Inspect Your Pet Regularly

Check your pets after every walk or outdoor play session. Use:

  • A flea comb to remove eggs and larvae

  • Your fingers to part the fur and look for ticks, especially in hidden areas

  • Tweezers or a tick remover tool to gently extract embedded ticks (never twist or crush)

What to Do If You Find a Flea or Tick

Fleas:

  • Bathe your pet with flea shampoo

  • Apply or continue using a monthly preventative

  • Treat your home and yard simultaneously to break the life cycle

Ticks:

  • Remove it immediately using a tick removal tool

  • Save the tick in a ziplock bag with the date (in case of disease symptoms)

  • Monitor your pet for signs of illness

  • Contact your vet if you're unsure or if symptoms develop

Natural Remedies: Do They Work?

While some natural options like essential oils, diatomaceous earth, or apple cider vinegar are popular, they are not replacements for vet-approved preventatives. Many “natural” products can even be toxic to pets. Always check with your vet before trying alternative solutions.

Final Thoughts

Fleas and ticks are more than just annoying—they're dangerous. With Delaware's warm summer climate, pet owners must stay vigilant. Routine grooming, yard maintenance, and veterinary-approved medications are your best defense.

If you suspect a serious infestation or want to ensure year-round protection, professional pest control services can treat your home and yard thoroughly.

Need Help with Flea or Tick Control?

At Pest Control Xpertz, we provide safe and effective flea and tick treatments for homes and pet owners across Delaware. Our licensed technicians use family-friendly solutions to keep your pets safe all season long.