Fleas and ticks are different pests and need different responses. Fleas can jump and develop around pet resting areas; ticks crawl and can attach to people or animals. Bites alone do not confirm which pest is present.
Exo Pest Solutions provides property pest-control services for homes and businesses in Santa Clara, San Mateo and Alameda counties. A veterinarian handles treatment on pets, and a healthcare professional handles bite-related medical concerns.
How to tell fleas and ticks apart
| Clue | Fleas | Ticks |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Adults jump and move through animal fur. | Crawl; may remain attached while feeding. |
| Appearance | Small, wingless insects with a body flattened from side to side. | Body shape changes with feeding; close identification may require help. |
| Where to look | Pet bedding, rugs and upholstered resting areas. | On people or pets after outdoor exposure; around suitable vegetation. |
Signs worth reporting
- Visible jumping insects near pet resting areas.
- Repeated flea findings during grooming or veterinary checks.
- A tick attached to a person or animal.
- The locations and dates of sightings, including outdoor exposure.
What to do about fleas
UC IPM identifies the cat flea as the common flea affecting California dogs and cats. Eggs can fall from an animal into bedding or carpets, so treating only the visible adults does not address every life stage.
- Ask your veterinarian about an appropriate pet treatment.
- Vacuum rugs, upholstery, floor edges and pet resting areas regularly.
- Wash pet bedding according to its care instructions.
- Discuss property treatment if activity continues or is extensive.
Never apply a building-treatment pesticide to an animal. Do not use a product intended for dogs on a cat unless the label and veterinarian explicitly permit it.
What to do about ticks
Check yourself and pets after time in grassy, brushy or wooded areas. Keep grass and brush maintained and remove leaf litter around commonly used outdoor areas.
If a tick is attached to your skin, CDC advises removing it promptly with clean, fine-tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin. Do not use heat, nail polish or petroleum jelly. Follow CDC’s full removal guidance below, and contact a healthcare professional if a rash or fever develops after a bite. Ask a veterinarian about ticks attached to pets.
Will a property treatment replace pet care?
No. Property treatment and veterinary care address different parts of the problem. Ask what preparation, follow-up and access are needed before any property treatment.
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Tell us about your property and pest problem. Your request goes to Exo Pest Solutions.
References: University of California IPM: Fleas; CDC: What to Do After a Tick Bite. Sources checked October 15, 2026. Educational information, not medical or veterinary advice.