What To Do When Standard Flea and Tick Control Don’t Work

One of the most detested pest species on the planet is fleas. Pet owners and animal loversalike will come together in droves to complain about these teeny pests incessant nature. And with all of the flea and tick control products currently on the market today, one would think that it would be a pretty simple science. However, that is not the case at all. Just ask anyone who has dealt with an infestation before.

Fleas, being very small and very resilient, have the ability to jump out of harm’s way, crawl into the tightest of places, and hide deep beneath the layers of hair on your pet. Plus, they breed at unbelievably rapid rates. It is thought that a single female flea can lay between twenty-five and fifty eggs per day. So, it is very easy to understand how a small problem can become very momentous, very quickly.

There are, of course, many treatments on the market and some can be quite effective. However, when the brand name products aren’t working, there are three steps that you should take to ensure that your home and your pet aren’t completely overrun.

First, be sure that you are using the products as recommended. Many pet owners will use the most popular Advantage and Frontline treatments to give their pets a fighting chance against the minuscule irritants, but used incorrectly, the pet’s fight is instantly lost. These treatments, which typically come in tiny vials containing single doses, are meant to be used as part of a large prevention plan. They should be used as directed and as often as directed because, although the fleas might not be making an appearance now, they can crop up at nearly any time.

Secondly, it isn’t just the pet that should have the regular treatment. The house should get one as well. There are many house and yard flea and tick repellents on the market today, including environmentally-friendly options. Treating the home and yard each time you give a dose to your pet’s back will put you several steps ahead the average home owner.

If it is too late for prevention, then it is time to tackle a flea removal. You can try doing this alone first by giving your pets regular, daily baths until the problem is kicked. Treat the home and yard and vacuum every day (including couch and chair cushions, area rugs, and under furniture) until all signs of fleas have disappeared.

If/When your DIY treatments and the extra cleaning are not curing the problem, then it is time to call in the big guns. Professional pest control companies are trained to deal with the problem in a different way and they have access to flea control products that you can’t get your hands on.

Once the pest control experts have come in and cleaned out the unwanted visitors, you must do your part to keep them away. Go back to step one and be very vigilant with treatments of both the pets and the house to ensure your furry loved ones stay clean and bite free.