The average flea life lasts only2-3 months, but they can do a lot of damage in that time.
The worst of Texas flea and tick season is upon us, which means it's time for you to take action to protect your furry friends (and the rest of your family).
When is flea and tick season in Texas? How can you prepare and manage infestations as quickly as possible?
Find answers to these and other essential flea and tick related questions below.
When is flea and tick season?
According toAmerican Kennel Club, fleas are prevalent year-round in Texas (the same is true for most southern states because of the hot, humid climate).
However, fleas also tend to be especially problematic during late spring and early summer (May through July). While you should be mindful of flea and tick protection throughout the year, it's a good idea to ramp up your prevention and management efforts during the warmer months (more on that in a minute).
How much damage can fleas and ticks do?
Although fleas and ticks are tiny creatures, they can still cause a lot of harm to humans and pets. The following are some of the most significant risks to remember regarding fleas and ticks:
animals
Because fleas and ticks are so small (fleas are0.1-0.32 centimeters, and ticks are about 2-3 millimeters), most people don't even realize they've affected their pets until it's too late. They can easily nestle in your pets fur and in carpets, upholstery and bedding before anyone is aware of their presence.
When fleas bite dogs or cats, they can experience flea bite dermatitis, a type of allergic reaction caused by flea saliva. Symptoms include itchiness, itchiness, hair loss and infections.
If an animal eats a flea, it can develop a tapeworm (an internal parasite) that affects its weight and coat quality.
Ticks, if they bite an animal, can transmitviral and bacterial infectionssuch as Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, Bartonellosis and Hepatozoonosis.
Humans
Humans can also get sick and experience skin irritation when bitten by fleas or ticks.
An allergic reaction to a flea bite can include redness, itching, hives or infections (especially for those who frequently scratch the affected area).
Atick biteit can also cause Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, and tularemia.
There is also a risk of humans getting tapeworms from fleas. Because fleas are so small, it's easy to accidentally consume them without realizing it, exposing you to parasites like tapeworms.
How to prepare for flea and tick season
Fleas and ticks can wreak havoc on your family and your pets. However, the good news is that there are several steps you can take to prepare for flea and tick season and reduce your chances of dealing with their bites and illnesses that can spread.
The following are some of the best strategies for preparing for flea and tick season in Texas:
Mow the grass regularly
Consistent landscaping can help you catch fleas and ticks before they have a chance to latch onto your pets and hitch a ride home. Stick to a regular mowing schedule to minimize the risk of fleas and ticksekeep your backyard beautiful.
Remove tall weeds
Removing weeds, especially tall weeds, is another effective way to reduce the chances of your pets bringing fleas or ticks into your home. Remember that tall weeds can also be effective hiding places for other pests, including rodents, so it's worth taking care of them before they get out of hand.
Invest in preventive pest control
Consider Hiring a Pest Control Companybeforefleas and ticks take over. Many pest control professionals offer preventative maintenance plans and treat your yard regularly (usually once a month) to reduce the chances of pests getting in and messing with your family. Natran Green Pest control's EcoYard program provides comprehensive outdoor protection for your yard against fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.
Lid trash cans
Fleas are often carried into yards or homes by rodents such as mice and rats. By making your property less hospitable to rodents, you can reduce your chances of having to deal with them.orfleas.
One of the best ways to keep rodents away is to keep trash cans covered - especially outdoor ones. Be sure to clean up food and drink spills too, to avoid attracting them.
Give your pets preventive medicine
Talk to your veterinarian about flea and tick preventative medications for your pets.
These medications do a great job protecting your animals and, by default, your family. They are also easy to administer (some are pills that are only taken once a month, and you can also get yearly injections).
Examine pets thoroughly
When bringing your pets indoors (especially after spending time in the park, on a hiking trail, etc.), examine them carefully, parting their fur to look for fleas or ticks (or bites). Regular checks help you catch fleas or ticks early and avoid bringing them inside.
Wash bedding and soft surfaces regularly
If your pet carries fleas or ticks inside, it's easy for these creatures to nest in bedding, rugs or other soft surfaces and begin to proliferate. To reduce the chances of this happening, be sure to wash your bedding and your pet's bedding regularly, as well as other surfaces such as carpets, rugs and sofas.
How to get rid of fleas and ticks
Despite your best efforts, the possibility still exists that you could end up with a flea or tick problem on your hands. If someone in your household has a flea or tick bite, here are some steps you can take to fix the problem ASAP:
Know the Signs
How are you supposed to deal with a flea or tick infestation if you don't know the signs?
To catch fleas, look for the following when examining your dogs:
- Droppings or “flea dirt” (small dark spots)
- Flea eggs (small white grains)
- Skin redness, itching, etc.
- Excessive scratching, licking, or biting the skin
- hair loss
- Sores or hot spots
- pale gums
Look for these signs to spot tick bites early:
- Ticks (small pinhead-sized dots) on ears, head, or feet
- skin irritation
- Redness or swelling
You may also watch for signs of conditions like Lyme disease, such as joint pain, fatigue, or changes in appetite.
Get in touch with your veterinarian
As soon as you notice signs of flea or tick bites, contact your veterinarian. They can provide specific recommendations for your furry friend and help you get rid of the problem properly and quickly.
Vacuum
Similar to mowing the lawn to control fleas and ticks outdoors, vacuuming carpets can help you control them indoors.
If you suspect fleas or ticks are present in your home, open the vacuum and clean all carpets and rugs and other surfaces such as upholstered furniture. Pay special attention to cracks and crevices, as well as areas between baseboards and carpet.
When you're done vacuuming, empty the bag or canister into an outdoor trash can with a lid. Otherwise, the fleas will jump back in and settle in once more.
steam cleaning
High temperatures kill fleas and ticks. Try steam cleaning the carpet to eliminate any lingering pests.
Wash bedding in hot water
Wash bedding (human and animal) in hot water to eliminate fleas and ticks. In the case of severe infestations, consider throwing out your pet's bedding and replacing it entirely.
Use a flea comb
A flea comb allows the hair to slide past the teeth, but prevents the fleas from doing the same. It also picks up flea droppings and dried blood.
When combing your pet's coat with a flea comb, focus on the neck and tail, as these areas tend to attract fleas. Throw any fleas you find in hot, soapy water.
Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
During the worst flea and tick season in Texas, consider limiting the amount of time your pets are outdoors. Not only will this protect them from fleas and ticks, it will also reduce their chances of overheating and dehydration or heatstroke.
Contact a professional pest control company
You can do a lot on your own to eliminate fleas and ticks. However, it is also helpful to contact a pest control team to assess your property and help you understand the extent of the infestation. They can use potent, high-quality pesticides to combat the problem and prescribe a plan to prevent it from coming back. They will also be able to provide various treatments, which may be necessary due to the flea egg hatching cycle.
Fight flea and tick season with Natran Green Pest Control
Peak flea and tick season will be here before you know it. Use the tips and suggestions listed above to prepare and protect your loved ones.
If you need help dealing with a flea or tick problem in your home, Natran Green Pest Control offers safe, effective and environmentally friendly solutions as well as preventative maintenance options.
contact ustoday for a quote or to learn more about our flea and tick services.