Bloodsucking pests, fleas can spread diseases to both humans and animals. These tiny insects live for several weeks, but some fleas are able to live for up to a year in the right conditions. Fleas can carry bacteria that cause diseases such as typhus, the bubonic plague and others. These insects go through four life stages, making it important for you to take steps to kill fleas in all of their life phases. If you have pets, it is important for you to take steps now to keep these insects off of them and out of your home.
Treat Your Pets
If you wait until fleas have already taken up residence on your pets, it can be very difficult for you to get rid of these pests. You should apply flea treatment to your dog to the back of its neck. It is important for you to apply it there because it takes awhile for the treatment to absorb and to start working properly. Applying it in that location prevents your dog from licking it off. Make sure to talk to your veterinarian about the recommended flea treatments for your cats and dogs. Some dog treatments contain permethrins, which are safe for dogs but can be deadly to cats. You should begin treating your pets in late winter or early spring before the fleas begin to hatch.
Give Your Pets Flea Collars
In addition to using flea treatments on your pets, buy flea collars for them. Make certain that you do not have them too loose or too tight. You should be able to place a finger between the collar and your pets’ necks. Take care not to put a flea collar on your cat that contains permethrins.
Treat Your Yard
In order to keep fleas off of your pets and out of your house, treat your yard. There are sprays available that can be applied that will kill fleas and ticks that are in your grass. By keeping the fleas away from your property, you can help to keep them from ever taking up residence on your pets.
The best way to keep fleas off of your pets is to take preventative steps so that the fleas don’t have the opportunity to start an infestation on your pets or in your home. By treating your pets each month with flea treatment, buying flea collars and treating your yard, you can look forward to the summer months without having to worry about fleas. Hart Pest Control has treatments available for your yard. If you already are dealing with a flea problem, contact our professionals and let us help you eradicate fleas from your home and your property.