Fleas and ticks

What you may notice

Fleas and ticks are different pests with different routes of exposure. Fleas are often associated with animals and indoor resting areas; ticks are more often encountered outdoors on people, pets, or clothing.

Common signs

• Fleas or flea dirt seen around pet bedding, carpets, or places pets rest
• A tick found on a person, pet, or clothing after time outdoors
• Repeated bites or itching that need identification rather than guesswork

Why it happens

Fleas may arrive on animals or wildlife. Ticks wait in vegetation and can attach to people or pets that pass by. A skin reaction cannot reliably identify the pest.

Seasonal context in Wisconsin

Tick exposure is most relevant during outdoor activity when ticks are active; conditions and species vary. Flea activity can persist indoors when a host and suitable environment are present.

Why it matters

Ticks can transmit disease. Use public-health guidance for tick checks and bites, and contact a healthcare professional or veterinarian for health questions.

Steps you can take

• After outdoor activity, check people, pets, clothing, and gear for ticks; use current CDC guidance.
• Ask a veterinarian about flea prevention and pet treatment rather than applying household products to an animal.
• Note whether the concern is indoors, outdoors, on a pet, or on a person before requesting service.

How we can help

Our request form accepts flea and tick concerns. Describe where the activity occurs and whether it involves a home, business, yard, or pet area. We will review the request and confirm availability. For health concerns, contact a medical professional or veterinarian.

Frequently asked questions