No one wants to let little Fido out in the backyard to see him come back scratching and filled with fleas. Fleas are one of the worst pests to deal with, and every spring and summer homeowners contact their pest control specialists for help with these annoying insects. The best way to address flea infestations is to avoid them entirely, and these great flea avoidance tips are followed by some of our best pest control pros. Follow them to a tee, and you’ll be doing the best you can to avoid flea infestations in your backyard.
Outdoor Pesticides
Treating your yard with outdoor pesticides can prevent outdoor fleas from finding a home in your yard. Pesticides are great options, but they won’t do much if you aren’t following the instructions properly and carefully. Make sure your pets are out of the area and focus on your yard’s fence line and any shady areas. Spots with a ton of sun exposure typically won’t attract many fleas, but it’s understandable if you don’t want to risk it. Always remember that before you purchase your pesticide, you must ensure it’s specially formulated for fleas in the yard.
Insect Growth Regulators
Many homeowners turn to insect growth regulators (IGRs) as long-term options to get rid of fleas. While they won’t immediately work as outdoor pesticides do, this method creates a flea-free yard by stopping fleas from growing to maturity. That way, they won’t gain the ability to reproduce, and the infestation will die out once the adult fleas pass away.
IGRs are great lawn care options as they aren’t irritants to pets and won’t cause much beyond a bit of itching. Even if you have an infestation, applying IGRs is a great method to stop growth in its tracks and prevent flea eggs from hatching.
Flea Control for Your Home (And Your Pet!)
Fleas may start in the yard, but if you leave them unchecked, they will certainly choose to enter your home. An indoor infestation is the worst outcome for homeowners, as it begins an endless cycle of you bringing fleas into your home and outside into your yard, and that doesn’t include the torture your little pet feels. Fleas can live on pet bedding and other parts of your home, so the best way to treat them is to treat your pet and home.
Pet Flea Control
If your pet has fleas, a bath is a great first step to getting dead flea bodies and existing fleas off them. You can use flea control shampoos and conditioners and topical flea treatments to kill fleas, prevent ones from returning, and provide comfort for your pet. Be sure to follow the instructions on the medication, as you might have to repeat it once a month if your pet is still suffering. Most importantly, be patient with your pet, and remember that they are likely confused and already struggling with the pain of the existing flea bites.
Home Flea Control
Fortunately, plenty of indoor pesticides and IGRs are available for home infestations, but keeping fleas away is your most important responsibility. Putting food away and keeping items off the floors can reduce the locations where fleas thrive. Washing dishes quickly before the pile-up is also a great option, and if you have a flea infestation, remember to do a deep cleaning after the fleas are killed off. This helps to remove any remnants of larvae and eggs left in your home that not only attract more fleas but are just uncomfortable to be around.
Keep Your Yard in Tip-Top Shape
The most important tip to avoid flea infestations in your backyard is to keep the yard clean! While flea sprays and mosquito and flea yard treatments are effective, prevention methods are enhanced with a yard that minimizes dirty spots and is well maintained. Trim weeds and grass to prevent overgrowth and remove puddles of standing water that attract insects of all kinds. Are small animals and other wildlife invading your yard? Get your local pest control specialists to keep them out of your yard. Pick up and dispose of any food leftovers, and remove hiding places for rodents and insects that lead to infestations that get out of control.
Prevent Fleas With Go Green!
If avoiding fleas in your backyard is on your to-do list, reach out to Go Green Lawn and Pest Control for all your pest control needs. We know how annoying pests in your home can be, and that’s why looking for residential pest control in Crofton, MD, has never been easier. Reach out to our experts to get rid of a flea infestation and learn how to apply these pest control tips to your home.
