A flea infestation can be hard to deal with. That’s why prevention is so important. It’s better to know how to prevent fleas rather than having to get rid of them after they have already moved in. Our furry friends are susceptible to fleas, so it’s vital to guard against them proactively.
If your pets get infested with fleas, the little bugs can take up residence in your carpets, bedding, and furniture. Flea bites itch and makes your fur baby uncomfortable. They can even spread disease. Fortunately, regular home, yard, and pet maintenance prevents fleas from getting in your home in the first place.
Where are dogs most likely to get fleas?
The most likely place to pick up fleas is in your backyard. Fleas may be tiny, but they sure can jump. These bugs and their eggs spread onto the ground from wild animals such as raccoons and mice. From there, they can leap onto your dog. They can even hitch a ride home on your pants, socks, and shoes.
Lawn Care
The most likely place to pick up fleas is in the yard. So, a big part of prevention is making your lawn inhospitable to pests. For example, fleas shrink from the sun, so keeping the grass short gives them fewer places to hide. Likewise, avoid over-watering because bugs thrive in humid environments. You can also treat the areas your dog frequents with pet-safe insecticides. Wild animals and strays also bring fleas to the lawn. So, discourage furry friends from roaming into your yard. Avoid serving pet food outdoors. Also, remove brush, junk piles, and firewood stacks where bugs like to hide.
House Cleaning
Outdoor fleas are mainly seasonal in New Jersey, with the flea-and-tick season stretching from April to December. However, indoor heating allows the little pests to survive the winter nestled in your carpet and bedding. So, while you don’t need to treat your yard come winter, homeowners may want to continue indoor prevention year-round. Pets can scatter eggs from their coats just by walking around the house. So, you want to stop them before they hatch. Frequently vacuum carpets, rugs, sofas, and cushions and empty the dust outside. Likewise, wash bedding regularly—especially where pets sleep.
Pet Grooming
Regular grooming is part of how to prevent fleas. A long matted coat gives pests a place to hide, making it difficult to spot and eliminate them. When your fur baby goes to the groomers, ask how they handle fleas and if they use flea shampoo. A professional groomer can spot fleas and treat them using the right products. Also, adding diluted essential oils, such as basil and peppermint oil, can repel fleas when applied to your pet’s coat.
Break the Flea Life Cycle
The crucial element of preventing fleas is breaking their life cycle.
- Egg – Flea eggs can fall off your pet and spread around the environment. Eggs hatch between one and ten days, depending on conditions. That’s why frequent vacuuming is an essential step in preventing fleas.
- Larva – Blind, legless larvae hatch from the egg and nestle in dark areas. There they feast on “flea dirt, ” the digested blood passed by adult fleas in the area.
- Pupa – The pupa stage begins when a larva wraps itself in a cocoon. It can remain there for weeks or months. For example, the pupa can stay dormant all winter and come out when conditions warm.
- Adult – When they emerge, the adults begin to feed and breed. After an adult female has had a blood meal, she can lay over 40 eggs daily.
How to Prevent Fleas
Regular vacuuming and lawn care are the backbone of how to prevent fleas in your home. Likewise, limit your pet’s time outside and contact with other animals. While fleas thrive in warm weather, they can survive year-round. So, talk to your veterinarian about a monthly topical or chewable treatment. Regular bathing and brushing is also an important step for flea prevention. The pet experts at Tarheel Total Pet Care are here to help with all your grooming and pet care needs. Schedule a grooming appointment today — call (908) 234-0644.
