Between 60 and 80 degrees is the perfect temperature – if you’re a flea! At these temperatures, fleas are most active. Unfortunately that represents a very large segment of the year when you live in Florida! Outdoor pest control becomes even more important for pet owners during the warm months of peak flea activity.
Fleas are incredibly well-adapted insects. Their strong back legs allow them to leap large distance (compared to their body size) just so they can reach their intended host. They can jump around 80 times their own height which makes getting on your dog’s leg or you cat’s back a breeze. Their bodies can withstand great pressure so they can survive being scratched at and pawed upon. Fleas multiple at an amazing rate and in their egg and pupal forms they are so well-protected they almost can’t be killed.
Getting rid of an indoor flea infestation is no small matter and it takes much more time than anyone would like. Even using the best pest control methods, you’re probably looking at about 3 very itchy months before they’re gone. It’s much better to use green pest control methods outside so they never make their way inside.
Most people are familiar with the medications your vet can prescribe to kill any fleas that bite your animal. Using these products is a good start for keeping fleas out of your home but it isn’t always enough. Some fleas might decide to jump on your pants or your children’s shows and end up I the house without hitching a ride on Snowball or Spot. Or they could sneak in through a crack in your weather stripping. There’s plenty of room when you’re as small as a flea!
Outside, fleas prefer moist, shady spots with lots of leafy cover. Open areas in full sun are too hot and unprotected for a flea. Check these areas for signs of a flea infestation. One way to check is to put on tall, white socks and take a walk. You’ll see the small black or brown dots appear pretty quickly.
There are a few natural preventative measures that you can employ to try to the reduce flea population in your yard. Eggs don’t survive flooding so you can try using a hose to flood flea-prone areas. Cedar chips are also known to repel fleas so it’s a good choice for pet bedding and kennels.
The best prevention comes from your professional Brevard County pest control service. The pros know best how to treat the problems in your local area. They’ll use the eight products and equipment to make your flea problem a thing of the past. Choose a pest control service that uses green methods so you know your pets and children are safe.
Maintaining a flea-free home begins in your yard. Make sure it’s pest-free and you won’t suffer a full-fledged infestation.