Top Five Tips to Keep Ticks and Fleas at Bay This Summer

We have long warned our customers about the dangers of fleas and ticks during the summer months. Unfortunately, this year is no different … and could be worse! Due to the unseasonably warm and wet weather we've experienced throughout the South, along with a rise in rodent populations, there has been a noticeable increase in fleas and ticks.

With an ability to reproduce quickly and pose serious health risks to humans, fleas and ticks should not be taken lightly. To prevent these pests from infesting your home, it's important to take precautionary measures. Here are our top five tips to keep these pesky pests away this summer:

1. Keep Yards Tidy: Ticks and fleas are known to hitch a ride on mice and rats. To prevent rodents from making a home in your yard, keep outdoor play areas and lawns groomed and clear of brush, grass clippings, woodpiles and leaf debris. Also, keep play areas away from wooded areas; rodents love to hide there.

2. Keep Fido Fresh and Clean: During a high flea and tick season (like the one we're experiencing this year), it's important to bathe and groom pets frequently, as well as visit a veterinarian for professional flea treatments. Pet owners should also inspect pets regularly, paying close attention to the front shoulders, back area and inside of and behind the ears. Fleas could be considered Olympic athletes, jumping more than 200 times their body length! This makes it very easy for them to hitch a ride onto a pet and into your home.

3. Become Best Friends with the Vacuum: You can help remove fleas already residing in your home by cleaning and vacuuming frequently. Vacuuming will also help prevent the laying of additional eggs. Fleas know how to make a quick escape; after vacuuming, it's important to immediately dispose of the bag to prevent fleas from getting back inside the home.

4. Bring out the Summer Whites: If you plan on spending time outdoors - whether relaxing in the backyard or taking a hike - it's important to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. Try to pick clothing that is light in color so ticks can be easier to detect. Be sure to also use a tick repellant containing DEET. When returning indoors, inspect clothing and skin thoroughly for ticks, especially the head and behind the ears.

5. Call a Pest Professional: If you think you have a flea or tick infestation it's important to call immediately to prevent further infestation and potential harm to you and your pets.

We hope these tips will keep you and your furry, four-legged friends flea and tick free this summer!