How to Tell the Difference Between Fleas, Ticks, and Mites

* Size: 1/12 to 1/8 inches

* Color: dark brown or black.

* Body shape: Flat and oval.

* Legs: Six strong legs, back pair modified for jumping

* Antennae: Short and club-shaped.

* Mouthparts: Piercing and sucking.

* Feeding habits: Fleas feed on the blood of mammals and birds, including humans.

* Habitat: Fleas are often found in areas where animals live or frequent, such as carpets, furniture, bedding, and pet areas.

Ticks

* Size: 1/16 to 1/2 inches long (size varies depending on species and life stage)

* Color: Reddish-brown or black.

* Body shape: Oval, flat or round body that becomes swollen after feeding.

* Legs: Eight legs as adults; six-legged when young

* Antennae: Absent

* Mouthparts: Piercing and sucking

* Feeding habits: Ticks feed on the blood of mammals, birds, and reptiles.

* Habitat: Found on grass, leaves, shrubs, and other vegetation in wooded areas, fields, and gardens.

Mites

* Size: Most mites are microscopic, though some can be visible to the naked eye (up to 1/50 inches in length).

* Color: Can vary from white or transparent to red or brown

* Body shape: Varies depending on species, but mites typically have an oval body with eight legs

* Legs: Eight legs

* Antennae: Short and stubby

* Mouthparts: Depending on species, mites may have chewing or piercing-sucking mouthparts

* Feeding habits: Some mites feed on plants while others feed on the blood of animals or other mites

* Habitat: Mites can be found in a variety of habitats, including soil, plants, and on the skin or feathers of animals