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The Tick Life Cycle

The tick life cycle is complex.  Ticks are not truly insects, but are more closely related to spiders. They are more resistant to our common pesticides and repellents. Typically, one tick is believed to live over a two year period.  It starts out as an egg, often laid near the entrance to small rodent (white-footed mouse) dens. It hatches into a tiny larva. Maybe 5-7 larva could fit on the head of a straight pin. These larva typically get on the mouse or nearby rodent, take a blood meal, then fall to the ground to wait to molt into the next stage.


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The Flea Life Cycle

The Flea Life Cycle

Understanding the flea life cycle helps in planning appropriate environmental controls.


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I don’t think my current topical flea/tick product is working - How soon can I reapply?

I don’t think my current topical flea/tick product is working - How soon can I reapply?

There is no single answer for this frequently asked question.

The known safe answer is to wait the period of time the product is supposed to work, typically 30 days, before reapplying.


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I just found a tick on my dog/cat…What should I do?

I just found a tick on my dog/cat…What should I do?

First, make sure it is a tick and not a small growth.


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