What Attracts Ticks and Fleas?

You may not think of insects as predators, but that is exactly what ticks and fleas are.  They are predators and like much larger predators, they are drawn to the prey that offers them the most reward for the very least effort. While you may not be able to eliminate the risk of coming into contact with these bloodsuckers, by making your backyard, your home, your pets, and yourself inhospitable to them, you can greatly reduce your risk of an infestation.

Ticks and Fleas Favourite Hangout Spot

Look around your backyard.  Is it overgrown?  Does it have plenty of fallen leaves and other debris for hiding? Is it moist?  Like most other insects, fleas and ticks are attracted to overgrown areas with plenty of moisture, so being vigilant about your backyard can make them less likely to find it attractive.

Inside a home, fleas like soft surfaces such as carpeting, upholstery, bedding, and stuffed toys.  While you cannot eliminate soft surfaces from your home, cleaning them frequently and thoroughly can help remove eggs and adult fleas and ticks. Keeping your pet in tip-top condition will reduce their risk of attracting fleas.  Regular use of a flea and tick preventative should be part of your pet care routine, especially if your pets regularly come into contact with the different outdoor environments.

Like mosquitos, ticks are attracted to expelled carbon dioxide.  This means that you are sending out a beacon to them every time you go into an area with ticks. Be smart and take precautions to keep yourself tick free.  Wear pants, long sleeves and a hat when heading into an area where ticks are likely, and use an effective commercial bug repellant in these same areas.

Once you know what attracts ticks and fleas, it becomes easier to avoid them.  While almost anyone with pets will encounter a few of these pesky biting insects, knowing how to discourage them can help prevent an unwanted encounter from developing into a full-blown infestation.