Fleas and Ticks for Your Pets and Home

Fleas and ticks are a must to be protected in pets and homes. Flea control is just as important as tick prevention, because relying only on flea treatments is not enough for your pet’s overall care. These external parasites can cause skin irritation, infections and disease transmission.

This guide will cover Orlando pest control. We’ll go over flea and tick prevention, treatment and control so you can have a comfortable pest free space for your pets and home.

Fleas and Ticks

What are fleas and ticks and how do they affect pets?

Fleas and ticks are external parasites that live on the outside of their host and can cause a multitude of health problems for pets. Fleas can cause severe allergies, dermatitis, anemia and intense itching. They are also carriers of diseases like bartonellosis and tapeworms. Ticks can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

They can also carry intestinal parasites like hookworm and roundworm which can further compromise your pet’s health. Knowing the risks of fleas and ticks emphasizes the importance of prevention and treatment.

How do pets get fleas and ticks?

Pets can get fleas and ticks from various environments where these parasites live. Common areas include shaded leafy debris piles, underneath decks and inside homes with carpet and furniture. Outdoor areas like tall grass and wooded areas are also where ticks can attach to pets.

Plus interactions with other animals like stray cats and dogs or contact with contaminated soil and water can bring fleas and ticks to your pets. Knowing these areas helps pet owners take proactive steps to protect their fur babies. Here’s how to spot a pest problem before it gets out of hand.

Choosing the Right Flea and Tick Products to Kill Fleas

When choosing flea and tick prevention pet owners should consider multiple factors to ensure the product fits their pet and lifestyle.

• Effectiveness: The product should kill adult fleas and ticks and prevent infestations.
• Application Type: Products come in topical, oral and collar forms each with different application methods.
• Ingredients and Side Effects: Look at the active ingredients and side effects especially for pets with allergies or sensitivities. Conventional flea treatments with pesticides can be harmful to pets and humans. Consult with veterinary professionals to ensure the product is safe and effective.
• Cost and Convenience: Cost and ease of use is also important especially for multi pet households.

Flea and Tick Products

1. Topical treatments and spot-on products

Topical treatments and spot-on products are popular for flea and tick prevention. These are applied directly to the pet’s skin usually between the shoulder blades and provides long lasting protection. Brands like Frontline, Advantix and Revolution are well known for their effectiveness.

They contain active ingredients like fipronil, imidacloprid and permethrin that kills fleas and ticks on contact. This is good for pets that are comfortable with topical application and a easy way to manage flea and tick infestations. It’s important to combine flea control with tick prevention for total pet care.

2. Oral medications and chewable tablets

Oral medications and chewable tablets is another solution for flea and tick prevention. These are ingested by the pet and provide systemic protection against parasites. The chewable or tablet based options work from inside the pet’s body and kill fleas and ticks that bite. Many prefer this method for its convenience and no mess.

Popular options are Nexgard, Bravecto and Simparica which contain active ingredients like afoxolaner, fluralaner and sarolaner. These ingredients work fast, kill fleas and ticks within hours of ingestion. Oral medications are also good for pet owners who find it hard to apply topical treatments and want their pets to be protected without the mess.

3. Collars

Flea and tick collars are worn around the pet’s neck and provide long lasting protection good for pets that spend most of their time outdoors.

4. Natural and Non toxic Alternatives

Some sprays use natural ingredients like lemongrass, lavender or tea tree oil that repels pests and is gentle on pets and safe around the home.

Safety and Precautions

Most flea and tick preventatives are safe when used as directed but it’s important to monitor pets for any signs of adverse reactions like skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset. Special caution should be exercised for pregnant, lactating or medically compromised pets. Consult with a veterinarian before using any product in these cases as some active ingredients may be harmful to these animals.

Also consult with veterinary professionals to ensure flea and tick preventatives are safe. They are experts in assessing and recommending products for your pet’s health.

Flee and Tick Treatment

Removal

If a pet has fleas or ticks, act fast to prevent the spread of parasites in the home. For immediate removal use a flea comb or tweezers to remove individual ticks or fleas. Follow up with a topical treatment and consult a veterinarian if the infestation persists or unsure of what to do.

Using products that kills ticks and fleas is key to treatment and removal as it will remove the pests fast and reduce the risk of diseases like Lyme disease. A multi faceted approach of flea combing, topical treatments and possibly oral medications usually gives the best results.

Now you can also benefit from the services of a professional pest control company like Drake Lawn and Pest Control who is knowledgeable on all practices and education from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Home and Environment

A flea free home requires consistent cleaning and proactive management of pet areas. Regular vacuuming and mopping especially around baseboards and under furniture can remove flea eggs and larvae. Washing pet bedding, toys and other items used frequently can minimize reinfestation. Flea sprays or foggers can be used to treat carpets and upholstery in case of severe infestation.

Also effective flea control is key to a flea free home environment as it covers the entire flea life cycle and prevents infestation from getting out of hand. To control fleas and ticks in outdoor areas use yard sprays or granules that kills parasites. Keeping grass trimmed, removing yard debris and avoiding overgrown areas where fleas and ticks can thrive can reduce the chance of pests entering the home.

Seasonal Considerations

Flea and tick prevention should be a priority all year round even during winter. Although these pests are less active during colder months they can survive indoors or in milder climates. Consistent preventive measures will keep the environment parasite free regardless of the season.

Year round flea control is key to total pet care as relying on seasonal treatments is not enough.

Product Comparison and Reviews

Choosing between over the counter and prescription flea and tick products is weighing effectiveness and accessibility. OTC products are more accessible but may not be as effective as prescription products. Prescription products have higher concentration of active ingredients that gives longer and stronger protection.

Read product reviews and customer feedback to make an informed decision by seeing the pros and cons of each option. Also consult with veterinary professionals for product recommendations to ensure your pet’s safety and health.

Protect Your Pets and Home With Drake Lawn and Pest Control

Protecting your pets and home from fleas and ticks is easier with professional help. Our pet care experts at Drake Lawn and Pest Control can help you find the right solution. Contact us today to see our product recommendations and expert advice for a pest free home.