How To Control Fleas During The Summer Months

This time of the year, the flea population is skyrocketing, so it’s important to be aware of flea treatment, management, and preventative measures. It's always around summertime that pet owners will pipe up: "my dog has fleas, and they're so annoying!" Fleas are both annoying and potentially dangerous. They can cause irritation and skin infections.

For those who have cat doors or dog doors, pets have a greater chance of exposure, so it's especially important to consistently check pets for signs and symptoms of fleas. Below we share some knowledge about flea control for dogs and cats and throughout the house.

Flea control for cats or dogs is a multi-step process that requires several forms of pest control. Getting rid of fleas on dogs is well and good, but won't prevent a future flea problem from happening. To prevent your pet from ever getting a flea infestation again, you need to get rid of them before they get on your pet. This means getting knowing how to kill fleas on dogs AND how to kill fleas in your home and backyard.

Indoors:

The most important step for indoor flea control is to thoroughly vacuum all rugs, furniture, and drapery on a regular basis. Fleas will lay eggs in areas such as rugs, grass, and furniture, and these flea eggs will develop into flea larvae and pupae, and spread quickly. After vacuuming to remove eggs, use a carpet powder or spray that will prevent any future development of remaining eggs. Additionally, remember to wash all sheets, pet bedding, upholstery, and other fabrics that your pet would be exposed to.

Outdoors:

Fleas tend to inhabit organic debris in areas that are dark, moist, and in the shade. In order to rid your yard of fleas, concentrate on destroying any areas that would provide this type of habitat. Rake leaves and clean areas such as under porches, decks, crawl spaces, dog houses, etc.

Pets:

But how to get rid of fleas on dogs right now? There are a variety of methods and products that will kill fleas on dogs. These include flea sprays, monthly topicals like Frontline, flea shampoos, dips and rinses, flea collars, flea combs, as well as injectable or oral products. These flea control products are purported to kill any live fleas on your pet, however, oftentimes you will still continue seeing fleas after any insecticide has been applied. Before using any type of flea control program or topical treatment, consult your vet to see what will be best for your individual pet.

Treatments will vary across breeds and all depending on pet health, so it is very important to discuss treatment possibilities with a professional prior to administering anything to your pet. There are also a number of DIY flea killers. Keep in mind that these, like other topicals, aren't always 100% effective and re-infestation may still occur.

Some home remedies to get rid of fleas use salt, lemon, and baking soda to kill fleas in carpeting. Sprinkle and let sit for a number of hours, then vacuum up the mess (don't forget to empty your vacuum bag in a safe area away from your dog and house). Most dog owners will agree that a flea bath for dogs is the best way to get rid of adult fleas and stop the flea life cycle.

As always, if you don't want to keep fleas around, the best treatment is to prevent them from infesting in the first place. If you have pet doors, or a pet that is continually exposed to fleas, talk to your vet about prevention options. Carefully check your pet on a regular basis for signs of fleas, such as flea bites, as well as take measures to ensure your pet’s outdoor space is not a conducive environment for fleas to inhabit. Spread diatomaceous earth over flea problem areas in your backyard and make sure a pest control expert checks and sprays anti-flea products (such as foggers or methoprene, which is an insect growth regulator) on every outdoor crevice and baseboard for cat fleas.