Year-Round Flea Prevention for New England Pet Owners

There are many kinds of outdoor and indoor pests that show a marked increase in New England in the summertime, some more than others. Fleas are one of them. They may seem to all but disappear during the cold winter months but, as the temperatures warm up, they start to plague our pets (and us) once again, and are at their worst in the hot months of summer. But you do not need to put up with the nightmare of having fleas in your home with these helpful tips and year-round protection.

Summertime And Fleas

You may be tempted to think fleas are like some other pests that go into hiding, or perhaps take a long nap, deep underground during the cold winter months, but that is not the case. Fleas live mostly on warm-blooded furry animals. During the winter months, rodents and wildlife spend less time foraging outside, so fleas stay in hiding with them. In the summer, wild animals are everywhere. Because of this, fleas are far more likely to be transferred to your pets. This happens when wildlife come into your yard to explore for food and harborage options.

How Are All These Fleas Getting In?

While some pests will squeeze into your home through gaps and cracks in your foundation and outer walls, fleas don't do this. They need a furry friend to ride in on. They do this by dropping off wild animals that bring them into your yard and spring onto your pets that are roaming around outside. When Fluffy or Spot comes happily back in through the door, fleas are just waiting to drop off in pet bedding, carpets, laundry piles, or anywhere else that is convenient to begin laying eggs and growing their populations.

If you don't have pets, it can be puzzling when fleas appear inside. You should know that it is highly unlikely that you brought those fleas into your home. If you have an infestation, it is more likely to be linked to an infestation of another kind. Since fleas need a furry animal, they often use rats, mice, and other home invaders. Rodents are the worst because they can explore every inch of your home while you're sleeping. To read about how fleas are dangerous to New England residents, go here.

Steps To Preventing Flea Infestations

While it may be a nightmare to try to get rid of a full-blown flea infestation using DIY methods, you may be able to prevent fleas from invading in the first place using these helpful tips:

• Visit your local veterinarian and purchase effective flea control products for your pets. Use these products as directed.
  Bathe and groom your pets as needed, always checking for fleas.
• When your pets are outside, keep them leashed or fenced in. Do not allow them to roam in overgrown areas where they are more likely to pick up fleas and/or ticks.
• Remove clutter, tall grass, overgrown areas, and any other condition that will make rodents and wildlife feel right at home on your property.
• Remove food and water sources that draw animals into your yard. Keep bird feeders away from your perimeter. Keep all garbage in tightly sealed containers. Clean up after barbecues and remove fruit or vegetables left around trees or in gardens.
• Partner with a professional pest control company to assist you with removing rodents and wildlife from your property as well as implementing flea reduction services.

How American Pest Solutions Can Help

Here in New England, it is no secret that fleas can become a nightmare, especially in the summertime. If you have found yourself in that never-ending cycle of fighting fleas only to have them come back time after time, it is time to reach out to American Pest Solutions. Our pest professionals can help you get rid of a current flea infestation and get you started with year-round flea prevention. American Pest Solutions was established in 1913 and has continued to assist home and business owners to this day. With a 4.8 rating and over 100 years of experience, you can be confident that our team can take care of your flea-control needs! Call or click today.