Keeping Fleas And Ticks Away
With the arrival of summer come fleas and ticks. These bugs can attach themselves to you or your pet (dogs and cats) the slightest chance they get. As a pet owner, you’re probably aware that these pests mean trouble for your pets, especially if they are allergic to flea saliva, which can cause skin problems such as dermatitis. Infestations can take weeks and even months to get rid of properly, so a preventive measure would be best in keeping these pests away.
So Here’s How To Prevent An Infestation
- Clean your yard:
- The first precautionary step to take is to keep your yard clean. Mow lawns, prune grasses and shrubs, and rake out all fallen leaves. These bugs thrive in warm dark places. Constant raking and mowing of lawns, as well as exposing dark spots to sunlight, would ensure that they have no hiding place.
- Prevent feral pets and wildlife from having a party on your property. Don’t leave bowls with cats and dog food outside; that’s what invites them in. Seal off all openings where these wild animals or stray cats and dogs can hideout.
- Before you let your pet in, run a flea comb through its fur. Have a bucket of hot soapy water nearby so you can throw in these pests if found. If you find that there’s a tick on your pet, place in an airtight container or bag, this will help your vet know what specie it is just in case your pet comes down with a symptom.
- Spray with any good yard spray. It will kill any bug that might have attached itself to your clothes or shoes.
- Keep your house clean:
- Regularly vacuum clean and mop your house. This process ensures that fleas and ticks don’t have a hiding place in your home. When cleaning, pay special attention to carpets, rugs, under furniture, your baseboard, and all dark corners of your house. Vacuuming can eliminate up to 60% of flea eggs and 30% of larvae from your home.
- Dispose of vacuum bag as vibrations from your vacuum cleaner can hatch larvae picked up during cleaning. Or you could place a flea collar inside your vacuum bag to kill any emerging flea.
- Spraying Diatomaceous Earth (D.E.) in your home kills fleas and ticks at all stages. This talc-like powder is safe for your pets and children, but make sure you wear a protective mask when applying this. Inhaling too much of this substance can cause damage to your lungs.
- Using Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) is another powerful way of preventing an infestation. This substance renders these adult pests sterile and ensures eggs and larvae are prevented from hatching. You can use it in any form, whether a spray, dips, spots on, or pills. This treatment can last up to 6 months, helping to prevent infestation. N.B. Before using any of these products, check in with your vet to see which is better for your pet.
- Keep your pet clean:
- Ensure your pet gets regular baths with any good pet shampoo.
- Regularly wash your pet’s bed and stuffings. Ticks and fleas love places where your pets stay.
- You could get your dog a flea collar, as this helps to keep fleas and ticks from them.
- Treat your pet even if you find just one flea on it. Ignoring this might lead to an infestation on not only your pet but in your entire house and yard.
Don’t ignore even the slightest threat of a flea attack, as this might lead to a full-blown infestation if ignored. With these steps in place, there’s a bug-free summer awaiting your enjoyment!
Contact Us
Absolute Pest Control is dedicated to making your home safe for you family. If you have a question about pests or any other pest problem, please call us at 615-220-1933 or click HERE to email us. We service most of Middle Tennessee including Smyrna, Murfreesboro, and LaVergne.