Lawton Flea and Tick Control

Common tick species threatening Lawton residents include:

• Lone star ticks. These aggressive ticks are easily identified by the distinctive white spot on adult females and are active from early spring through late fall, preferring wooded areas and tall grass where they actively seek hosts.
• American dog ticks. Also known as wood ticks, these reddish-brown parasites are most active during spring and early summer. They are commonly found in areas with little or no tree cover and are known for transmitting Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
• Brown dog ticks. These indoor-outdoor ticks can complete their entire life cycle inside homes and are active year-round, making them particularly dangerous for households with pets and capable of establishing persistent indoor infestations.
• Gulf Coast ticks. These large, aggressive ticks prefer coastal and prairie environments and are active during warmer months. They are known for their painful bites and potential disease transmission to both humans and animals.
• Blacklegged ticks. Though less common in Oklahoma, these ticks are expanding their range and are the primary carriers of Lyme disease. They prefer wooded areas with dense vegetation and remain active during cooler months.

Our flea and tick control specialists have extensive experience with the tick populations that threaten Lawton residents throughout the year. This allows us to develop targeted treatment programs that address peak activity periods and preferred habitats. Understanding these species-specific characteristics helps us implement the most effective control measures while educating property owners about the risks they face based on location and lifestyle factors.

Understanding Flea Dangers to Human Health

While many people think of fleas primarily as pet pests, these tiny parasites pose significant health risks to humans. They can establish thriving populations in homes even without animal hosts present. Fleas are capable of transmitting numerous serious diseases to humans, including murine typhus and cat scratch disease, while their bites can trigger severe allergic reactions and secondary infections from scratching. In Lawton's warm climate, flea populations can explode rapidly, with adult fleas representing only about 5% of the total population – the remaining 95% consists of eggs, larvae, and pupae hidden in carpets, furniture, and outdoor areas where they're nearly impossible to detect without professional equipment.

The health dangers of flea infestations extend beyond disease transmission to include anemia in both humans and pets, particularly dangerous for children, elderly individuals, and anyone with a compromised immune system. Flea saliva contains anticoagulants and allergens that can cause intense itching, dermatitis, and in severe cases, life-threatening allergic reactions. Additionally, fleas can serve as intermediate hosts for tapeworms and other parasites, creating multiple pathways for disease transmission within affected households. Professional treatment is essential because flea populations can survive for months without feeding, hiding in carpets and furniture where they wait for the vibrations and carbon dioxide that signal potential hosts, making complete elimination nearly impossible without specialized equipment and products.

Don't let dangerous fleas and ticks threaten your family's health and safety – contact Environmental Pest Control today and let us help protect you!