Difference Between Ticks and Fleas

Ticks vs Fleas

Be it on animals or humans, nobody wants to be infected by parasites. However, once they start feeding on the blood of their hosts, you typically need to go to the source to stop the infestation. Here, we will take a look at the difference and similarities between two such parasites which feed on the life of their hosts ‘“ ticks and fleas.

Scientifically called small arachnids from the Ixodoidea family, ticks are external parasites that live on the blood of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. They are not a pleasant thing to have at all as far as the hosts are concerned, because they can bring about diseases such as Lyme, Q-fever, relapsing fever and Tick-borne meningoencephalitis.

There are two families of ticks known as the hard and soft ticks, and there are over 900 species of them.

Fleas, on the other hand, are insects which are also external parasites. They live off the blood of mammals, birds, and yes, humans. Some of the most common species of fleas include those which are found in cats, dogs and humans ‘“ as well as the Northern rat and Oriental rat fleas.

If you have pets, and you are not sure whether they are being attacked by ticks or fleas, it is best to consult a veterinarian. Once fleas attack, it will result to an itching sensation on the body of the host. Pet owners may have allergic reactions to the saliva of fleas, which may result in rashes, while the bites of fleas would cause inflammation of the affected area.

Meanwhile, ticks attack in such a way that they attach themselves to the body of the host. They can also jump, fly, or drop from a perch, and fall onto some unsuspecting victim. Ticks are usually found in areas where tall grass and shrubs grow, while fleas can be found in homes where there are pets and other animals inhabiting. To get rid of the infestation of both fleas and ticks, you can make use of liquid sprays or aerosol sprays to control their population.

Summary:

1. Ticks are small arachnids, while fleas are insects ‘“ but both are external parasites.

2. Ticks have more than 900 species, while fleas are most commonly found on cats, dogs and humans.

3. Ticks attach themselves to the body of the host, while fleas usually grow in areas where there are pets, like cats and dogs, which can serve as their host.

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