5 Steps for Flea Control and Prevention
By Mike Deschaine
Fleas are a very common problem with people who have outdoor pets, but how does your pet get fleas out of the blue when it was previously flea-free? How can you get rid of fleas when they invade your home?
Pets can get fleas from roaming the outdoors or hanging around other flea-ridden animals, either domestic (like friends’ or neighbors’ pets) or wild (raccoons, squirrels, etc.). Additionally, we can carry fleas into our homes from those same sources, causing the need for pest control services in SWFL.
Eliminate Existing Adult Fleas on Pets
Treat your pet with a product from the veterinarian or pet store. Over-the-counter soaps, shampoos and combs
are available, but it’s recommended for pet owners to consult with their veterinarians for advice on using these products.
Eliminate Larvae in the Home
Wash all bedding your pet has come in contact with–particularly its own bed and the sheets and blankets of all family members with whom your pet sleeps. Professionals from pest control services will also advise that you vacuum carpets everywhere in the home.
Treat the Home
Treat all your carpets, baseboards and upholstery with a pesticide product specifically labeled as an indoor insect growth regulator (IGR) for fleas. If some pet bedding cannot be washed, it also can be treated. Additionally, it’s beneficial to use an outdoor-labeled product in the yard if your pet spends time outdoors.
Wait
Allow pesticides to dry thoroughly (typically about three to five hours) before you return or bring your pets back into the home. Your expert in pest control services will tell you that it’s essential to ensure the home is fully aired out and that treated areas shouldn’t be cleaned for at least two weeks after treatment.
Prevent a Recurrence
While the pesticide IGRs will provide some prevention by keeping eggs from hatching, it’s smart to use flea-control products like monthly pills, collars or topical medication to keep your pets from bringing more pests into the home.
To learn more or to contact American Allegiance Pest Control…
Call: 239-985-9202
Visit: AmericanAllegiancePestControl.com