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Carbon Dioxide
Ticks and fleas are attracted to increased concentrations of carbon dioxide in the air. Animals give off carbon dioxide into the surrounding air when they breath, so this is a good indicator to parasites that a potential host is nearby. Ticks in particular can be lured into sticky collecting traps using dry ice, which is the solidified, frozen form of carbon dioxide. Unfortunately there are no feasible means for controlling the carbon dioxide released by animals.
Heat
Ticks and fleas are also attracted to sources of heat, especially the body heat generated by animals moving nearby. Heat also acts as trigger to flea eggs to hatch. Eggs can lie dormant for a considerable length of time before hatching, either to overwinter until warm summer weather or to simply wait for a warm blooded animal to enter their space and provide a food source.
Shadows and Movement
Ticks and fleas are attracted to dark shapes moving against light backgrounds. For example a dog or cat moving against light vegetation will draw the attention of ticks or fleas. Some sources claim that fleas are attracted to the color white, though there is no research to corroborate this. The basis for this rumor may be that ticks and fleas are more visible against a white background than they are against other colors. This makes it seem as if white colored animals are carrying larger numbers of fleas than darker animals.
Poor Diet and Lifestyle
Practitioners of holistic veterinary treatment and alternative therapies suggest that a poor diet and lifestyle are some of the principle causes of flea infestations. They argue that ticks and fleas more attracted to unhealthy animals, so a good diet and plenty of exercise protects them from flea infestation.