Summer is upon us, and for those lucky enough to live on or near the coast, it’s time to arm yourself against the onslaught of summer: sunscreen, citronella candles and some flea control know how. We know you’d rather be relaxing in the shade with your biggest worry being whether to swim now or after lunch, but, if you want to escape the summer months flea bite-free, it’s best you school yourself on how to safeguard your family against these pestilent pests.
Effective flea control begins with your four-legged family members
If you think your love for your canine (or feline) companions is unrivalled, think again. Fleas don’t just love your pets, they’re downright fixated on them. This isn’t that surprising, since fleas need the blood of warm blooded creatures to survive. Getting a handle on flea control in your home then, relies on regular de-fleaing of your pets. (Emphasis on regular). Cats and dogs should be treated for fleas every month in order to avoid recurring infestations. We recommend you use a vet-approved method such as Frontline or Advantage, which is formulated to kill fleas, without harming Fluffy or the family. Remember that besides causing you and your pets discomfort, fleas also carry tapeworm, which can lead to weight loss and vomiting. What’s more, if you’re prone to bestowing a kiss or two on your pet, you’re at risk of contracting tapeworm too.
The moral of the story? Flea control for your pets protects the whole family.
If you’re already under siege by fleas, a little bit of elbow grease goes a long way.
If you’re suffering from flea bites, fear not. Doing a thorough vacuum of your carpets and floors – as well as any pet bedding – is a good start. We recommend weekly vacuuming as a safeguard against any future invasions. One of the most powerful – and natural to boot – flea control measures is diatomaceous earth (DE). This all natural solution that resembles talcum powder is harmless to pets and humans, but lethal to fleas. Comprised of the (tiny), fossilised skeletal remains of diatoms, a type of unicellular plant, DE’s effectiveness is down to the razor sharp, microscopic edges, which cut the outer layer of pests, leading to their demise. Available in hardware stores, or online, here.
Treating your pets at the same time as you do your home is the only guaranteed way to eradicate an infestation.
You’ll be fighting a losing battle if you tackle one flea source and not the other. Fleas are incredible hardy, much like cockroaches, able to quickly adapt to a new environment. This means that you need to tackle the problem as soon as it’s identified. Fleas gain entry into a house by hitching a ride on pets, which means that thorough vacuuming, the application of diatomaceous earth on affected areas (in the house, not on pets) and the treatment of pets all need to be done at the same time. In essence, effective flea control requires an ‘all or nothing’ approach.
If you find your flea control efforts to be futile – despite following the above advice – you’ll need to seek the assistance of a professional pest control service. We have decades of pest control experience, which means that we’re more than equipped to take on an infestation that seems impossible. Contact us today and enjoy a flea-free summer.
Photo credit – youhavemorethanyouthink.org
0 Comments