Kick Out Fleas and Ticks!

Did you know that for every ten fleas you see on your pet there could be 25,000 flea eggs in your house? Battling fleas may seem like an impossible war, but with the right products and information you can get rid of them once and for all.

Fleas go through four stages as they grow: eggs, larvae, pupae and adults. Only the adult stage flea may be found on your pet, and the victims are usually dogs or cats. The others live in carpeting, on furniture, in the yard or at any other place that you pet has access to. To win against fleas you must attack them at all of their four stages. Fortunately, there are many over-the-counter, easy-to-use flea and tick control products available at your local pet store to help you win the war against fleas. We will list two examples for your reference below. Most of these flea control products will also control ticks.

First, the Farnam Company offers Bio Spot Flea & Tick Control, which is a good spot-on topical flea killer and repellent. One spot application on your dog's or cat's back will combat fleas for up to three months. This product uses the natural oils in your pet's coat to repel and attack fleas, and the flea does not have to bite your pet to be affected. This product works well enough and fast enough for light to moderate flea infestation problems, when you probably do not want to or need to spray/treat your entire house or yard. Simply treat your pets. Fleas jump on pets, fleas die.

Next, the Adams Company makes a carpet and furniture spray which kills fleas in all their four stages from egg to adult. Just one good application can destroy the entire flea population in your home. There is also Adam's yard spray, which is usually used around your dog's kennel area to prevent the dog from bringing fleas back home from outside. This product is good if you have moderate to heavy flea infestation.

It is important to thoroughly and carefully read the labels, directions, and warnings on your flea/tick control product. You may need to consult with your local pet store and your veterinarian before using the product on your pet, especially if your pet is very young, elderly, pregnant, sick, or known to have a lot of allergies. Also make sure never to use flea and tick products designed for dogs on your cat, or vice versa.

There are also some alternatives or supplements to the above pesticide products for controlling fleas and ticks:

• Comb your pet regularly with a flea comb
• Vacuum frequently and dispose of the bags immediately after use
• Mow areas of the lawn where your dog spends time
• Wash pet bedding and your pet regularly, say weekly
• Try to keep indoor cats and dogs in the house at all times

Protecting your pet (and your home) from fleas and ticks is an important part of responsible pet keeping. If you have any more questions about ticks and fleas, just ask us and we will help you any way we can.

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