The Three Steps to Proper Flea Control?

Answer 1

In the warmer months of the year flea control can be a challenge. Even the use of household flea foggers will only provide short term relief if you have a pet that is both indoors and outdoors during the day. Treating flea infestations is a three part process that must be maintained even when you do not see fleas in your home or on your pets.

Flea Control for Your Pet

The first step in a flea control plan is to treat your pet with a flea prevention product. There are many types of flea treatments that are approved for safe use on household pets. One of the most effective forms of flea treatments are the topical, or spot on, products. A small tube containing a liquid medication is opened and the medication is applied between the shoulder blades of the pet. The oils in the pets skin help transfer the medication to other areas of the body to kill fleas. This barrier also prevents new fleas from staying on your pet.

Other types of flea treatments include professional flea dips that are done at a grooming salon or vet, pills given orally, flea shampoos, sprays and flea collars. Each of these has varying rates of success, so before you try any new products always check with your veterinarian or do thorough research of product reviews.

Flea Control for Your Home

If fleas are already present in your home, you will need to treat your home with a commercial pesticide made to kill fleas. If you treat only your pet, the fleas will infest your dog or cat again once the pet’s flea control treatment wears off. A professional exterminator is most effective for removing fleas from your home. However, there are many products available from local retailers that can fix the problem if you follow the directions for use carefully.

Flea Control for Your Yard

Many people think that treating their pets and home is the end of their flea control problem. Although temporarily it may seem that the fleas are gone, the root of the problem still exists. Your yard is where the fleas most likely originated from, and it must be treated to prevent reinfestation of your pet and home. Your local home and garden store will typically offer a wide variety of effective products to use in your yard.