Fall is one of the busiest times of year for home and business owners as they batten down the hatches in preparation for Winter; it’s also one of the most likely times pests are likely to create a problem. As temperatures drop, pests look for a comfortable place with warmth, food, and water – like your home. However, guarding your home against potential pests isn’t the only thing you should look out for. Common fall pests, especially fleas, are a big problem for your pet as well, which can become a big problem as pet pests are not only miserable for your pet, but can quickly cause a home or business infestation as well. Here are some tips to help protect your pet and home this fall.
What Are They?
Fleas are so small they’re hard to notice unless you’re looking for them – at least until there’s a real problem. They’re generally brown-red in color, can’t fly, and don’t have wings. However, fleas have no problem getting around because they can jump long distances. One female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, and these eggs then wind up on furniture and in carpet and bedding. A few fleas can quickly cause a serious problem for both you and your pet.
Groom Your Lawn
The first line of prevention to keep fleas from getting onto your pet or into your home is to keep your grass, trees, and bushes trimmed. Keeping overgrowth taken care of will help keep the outside flea population in check. Also, using natural methods to try to keep fleas from entering your home or yard makes it less likely your pet will get infected. You can make a non-toxic flea trap by placing a small dish of soapy water at ground level near a light source. The warmth and light attracts fleas, and once they jump into the water, they’ll be trapped. Also, you can buy commercially made flea traps to put out as well.
Protect Your Pet Ahead of Time
Don’t wait for fleas to infest your pet and then treat them. Instead, keep your pet on a regular flea preventative medication. Your vet can help you make the right decision for your pet, but flea medications include chemical or herbal flea collars which repel fleas and oral or topical pills or treatments that make a medicated barrier around your pet to kill adult fleas and eggs to prevent your pet from becoming infected even if the pet comes into contact with fleas.
Clean House
Keeping your house clean can help make your home less inviting to parasitic invaders or potentially get rid of them if they are there before a problem even gets noticed. Vacuum regularly, especially in carpeted areas, and keep bedding washed and changed. Make sure you clean your dog’s bed, blanket, and toys just as often as you clean your home as these areas are the most likely areas for a problem to start.
By following these guidelines, homeowners can help keep their home and their pets free of these common fall pests, and keep the whole family happy and healthy during this autumn season.
Informational Credit:
The information of this article is credited to Pointe Pest Control in Naperville.
