Barefoot Bay-Micco Pest Control

Fleas can be a frustrating problem, but there are effective steps you can take immediately to reduce and eliminate them. Follow this guide to tackle fleas in your home, on your pets, and prevent future infestations.

Step 1: Thoroughly Vacuum Your Home

1. Focus on Flea-Prone Areas: Vacuum carpets, rugs, furniture, and cracks in the flooring. Pay extra attention to areas where your pets sleep or spend time.
2. Dispose of the Vacuum Contents Properly: Once you finish vacuuming, take the vacuum bag or contents of the vacuum canister outside. Discard them in a sealed bag in an outdoor trash can. This step is critical to avoid re-infestation. Vacuuming alone can reduce flea populations by up to 96%!

Step 2: Treat Your Pets

Dogs:

• Bathing: Giving your dog a thorough bath can remove a significant portion of fleas. Use a pet-safe flea shampoo if available.
• Flea Medication: Apply vet-recommended flea medication. Avoid over-the-counter treatments, as these are often ineffective and may be harmful to your pet.

Cats:

• Flea Medication: Use a topical flea treatment prescribed by your veterinarian. Cats are sensitive to many treatments, so always consult your vet.
• Helpful Tip: Cats often try to groom off topical treatments before they dry. To prevent this, tie a loose bandana or soft fabric around your cat’s neck until the medication has dried completely.
• Bathing Cats: Cats generally dislike baths, so this is rarely effective—unless you’re lucky enough to own a unicorn cat that actually enjoys them! For most of us, it’s safer (and less stressful) to rely on vet-approved flea treatments.

Why Vet-Approved Flea Treatments Matter

Medications from your veterinarian are specifically formulated to be safe and effective for your pets. Over-the-counter options can be dangerous and rarely provide the same level of flea control. By treating your pets with vet-recommended products, you address the source of the flea infestation and prevent reinfestation in your home.

Step 3: Consider Professional Treatment

Even with diligent vacuuming and treating your pets, fleas can still be a persistent issue. That’s where my professional flea control service can help:

• Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs): When I treat for fleas, I use an insect growth regulator that lasts up to 7 months. This prevents fleas from breeding, giving you long-term relief from infestations.
• Treating Outdoor Areas: Fleas can breed in shady areas of your lawn, which may be where your pets pick them up. Treating these spots can significantly reduce flea problems.
• Addressing Wildlife Carriers: If you live in an area with rodents or raccoons (which, let’s be honest, is every single city on the Space and Treasure Coasts), these animals can introduce fleas into your environment. Professional treatment can help eliminate these risks.

By combining these strategies, you can achieve a flea-free home and keep your pets comfortable and healthy. Call me today to discuss how my flea control services can help you take back your home!