Comprehensive Flea and Tick Control Solutions
Fleas and ticks are more than just a nuisance – they pose serious health risks to both your pets and family. These persistent parasites can quickly multiply if left unchecked, causing discomfort, spreading diseases, and even leading to severe health complications.
At Bug Busters, we've been protecting Virginia pets, homes and yards from these harmful pests for over 25 years. We use pet-safe insect growth regulator yard treatments to keep these annoying pests away from your pets. Our comprehensive approach not only eliminates existing infestations but also prevents future problems through expert treatment techniques and ongoing protection.
Why Ticks Are So Dangerous
Understanding the risks associated with tick infestations is crucial for protecting your pets, home, and family:
Disease Transmission
Ticks are found near highly vegetated areas and wooden surfaces. They feed on the blood of reptiles, birds, and mammals and can transmit serious diseases to animals and humans. These creepy-looking creatures spread life-threatening diseases which can trigger nausea, fever, and neurological problems. There are thousands of species of tick across the world that can spread multiple diseases as they infect their host.
Hidden Threats
Ticks are attracted to animals and humans, and they can easily transfer between the two. The nymph tick can transmit Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections while remaining virtually undetected, even when they bite and burrow into you or your pet's skin. Their saliva contains a naturally occurring anesthetic and an immune system suppressor, making them difficult to detect when they bite.
Pet Health Risks
Certain female ticks produce toxins while feeding that can cause paralysis in your pet. Ticks can cause discomfort to your pet's body and carry serious diseases like babesiosis and ehrlichiosis. They trigger intense itching when they burrow inside the skin or stick to its surface, which is why you might see your pet persistently scratching when a tick bites them.
Why Hire Professional Flea Control Services
Fleas present their own set of serious problems for pets and humans:
Pet Health Concerns
Fleas are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They cause serious medical problems in pets like hair loss, skin irritation, and flea allergy dermatitis. A large number of fleas can cause anemia in kittens and puppies, which can be fatal if severe. The resulting irritation from flea saliva is intolerable for pets, often causing inflammation or rashes.
Disease Vectors
Fleas are known to spread diseases like bubonic plague from rodents to humans and rodent to rodent. Their bites can lead to persistent itching cycles for your pets, making them extremely uncomfortable. Fleas generally thrive in low altitudes in warm and humid conditions, making Virginia a perfect environment for them.
Hidden Infestations
Your pet might have a major flea infestation even if they're not scratching. If your pet is not allergic to fleas, they might not have an urge to scratch, meaning the fleas could be on their body without any obvious signs. However, if you notice flea dirt or flea feces on your pet's bedding, this is a good indicator your pet has fleas.
Important Warning About Flea & Tick Control
Don't ever use flea bombs for your flea problems. These products can be hazardous to your family and pets if not used properly, and many do not reach the eggs and larvae hidden in carpets and furniture. Instead, employ professional flea and tick removal services to safely remove those tiny, brown insects from your pet's fur and effectively treat your home and yard.
Ways To Get Rid Of Flea & Tick Infestations
The nasty little fleas and ticks feed on your pet's blood and trigger many undesirable diseases. Here are effective approaches to eliminate these pests:
Pet Medication & Hygiene
Treat your pets with effective topical medication once a month. It's important to bathe them with medicated shampoo even if they don't have active flea or tick issues. This will prevent these pests from biting your pet and reduce the chance of them being transported into your home.
Home & Yard Modification
Keep shrubs, trees, and plants away from your home to avoid pest invasions. Seal crevices and gaps around rooflines and walls, and close off openings to basements and crawl spaces. Eliminate unnecessary food sources to keep critters away, and remove any outdoor pet bedding that can be breeding grounds for fleas.
Natural Treatments
You can try homemade remedies by mixing one cup of vinegar with one quart of water and a few drops of lavender or tea tree essential oil in a spray bottle. Apply this mixture directly onto your pet's skin (avoiding eyes and face) as an effective natural flea killer.
Professional Pest Control
For the most effective and long-lasting results, call Bug Busters for professional flea and tick control. Our routine pest control services will not only keep your home and pets tick and flea free but will also prevent them from coming back with our pet-safe yard treatments.
Signs of a Flea or Tick Problem
Early detection of flea and tick activity can help prevent extensive infestations and health issues. Watch for these common indicators:
- Excessive Scratching: If you notice your pet scratching their bodies persistently, it could be due to fleas or ticks.
- Flea Dirt: Small black specks (flea feces) on your pet's bedding or areas where they frequently rest.
- Visible Pests: Fleas are reddish-brown and often hard to detect on your pet's skin. They jump very fast, so examine the skin and haircoat thoroughly.
- Hair Loss or Skin Irritation: Fleas and ticks can cause hair loss, skin irritation, and rashes on your pet's body.
- Lethargy or Pale Gums: In severe cases, flea infestations can cause anemia in pets, leading to lethargy and pale gums.
- Tick Attachments: Check your pet for ticks after they've been outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas.
- Unexplained Bites: Human family members may also experience bites if fleas or ticks are present in the home.
Professional Tip
To help prevent flea and tick infestations, regularly wash your pet's bedding in hot water, vacuum carpets and furniture frequently, keep your lawn mowed short, and create a buffer zone of gravel or wood chips between wooded areas and your yard. Work with your veterinarian to keep pets on year-round flea and tick preventatives, as these parasites can remain active even during mild winter months in Virginia.
Why Choose Bug Busters for Flea & Tick Control
When you choose Bug Busters for your flea and tick control needs, you benefit from:
- Pet-Safe Treatments: We use insect growth regulators that are safe for your pets while effectively eliminating pests.
- Comprehensive Solutions: Our approach addresses the entire flea and tick life cycle, not just adult pests.
- Local Expertise: Bug Busters has been vigilant as a tick and flea control professional in Richmond, Chesterfield, Farmville, Midlothian, and other areas of central and southeastern Virginia.
- Preventative Approach: We don't just eliminate current infestations—we help prevent future problems.
- Ongoing Support: Our routine pest control services ensure continuous protection against fleas and ticks.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: We stand behind our flea and tick control services with our satisfaction guarantee.
Other Pest Control Services
Bug Busters offers comprehensive pest management solutions for all common pests in Virginia:
Rodent Control
Protect your property from damaging rodents with our comprehensive inspection and elimination services.
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Mosquito Control
Enjoy your outdoor spaces without the nuisance and health risks of mosquitoes.
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Termite Control
Protect your property from costly termite damage with our comprehensive inspections and treatments.
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