Ticks and fleas are unwelcome guests that can make life uncomfortable for you, your family, and your pets! While it might seem impossible to avoid fleas and ticks, especially during the humid months of summer, there are several effective strategies to keep them from taking over your home and property. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain a tick- and flea-free environment!
Preventing Fleas and Ticks
Keep a Tidy Yard
Ticks and fleas love to hide in tall grass, leaves, and overgrown shrubs. It’s crucial to keep your lawn well-trimmed and mow the grass on a regular basis to reduce tick and flea habitats. Likewise, remove debris, leaves, and plant clippings from your yard to eliminate hiding spots for ticks. Trim your vegetation, especially around your home’s perimeter and pathways.
Create a Barrier
Creating a barrier can help keep ticks and fleas from migrating into your yard. If you have pets, consider installing a fence to help keep out wildlife that might carry ticks and fleas. Likewise, you can place a three-foot-wide barrier of gravel or wood chips between wooded areas and your lawn, which can help discourage these pests from moving onto your property.
Treat Your Pets Regularly
Pets are often the primary carriers of ticks and fleas in your home, especially when they visit areas outside of your lawn, so it’s important to keep them protected too. Bathe your pets regularly with a veterinarian-approved flea and tick shampoo. Check for fleas and ticks on a regular basis, especially if they’ve been outdoors for a while. We recommend checking your pets around their ears, necks, and underbelly.
Keep a Clean Home
Maintaining a clean home can help create an undesired environment for these pests. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery regularly to remove any flea eggs, don’t forget to vacuum under furniture and along baseboards too. Wash your pet’s bedding and your own in hot water to eliminate fleas and eggs.
Get Regular Inspections
Regular inspections conducted by a professional pest control company near you can help catch flea and tick activity and prevent them early before it becomes a full-blown infestation. These professionals will be able to provide you with a thorough inspection, recommendations on the best treatment for your home, and prevention tips to avoid these pests in the future.
