Fido Not the Only One Scratching? Why Pest Control for Fleas Goes Beyond a Doggie Flea Dip

Do you really need pest control for fleas? A pest control company might be the last call you’d consider making when you find fleas on your dog. After all, a quick flea dip at the groomer’s, run the vacuum over the carpet, and you’re all set – right? Wrong! Your dog picked up those fleas somewhere, and there’s a reasonable chance that it happened in your own back yard.

Fleas can live in your yard for a short time, but it’s more likely that your dog picked up the fleas from another animal. Has your pup chased down any wild animals lately? Do you have an indoor/outdoor cat who comes and goes as she pleases? Any chance of wild animals or other pests having access to your home? All of these scenarios and more could potentially introduce fleas into your home. That’s why your pest control plan for fleas has to go far beyond a doggie flea dip.

Step 1

When you spot the telltale signs of fleas in your home – brown, visible bugs jumping on your pets, carpet, and furniture – the first step is to call your pest control technician. Your tech should conduct a thorough inspection of your home to identify the species of flea you’re dealing with. Techs should also check throughout the home for other animals that could be providing a source of food for the fleas. This could include rodents in the walls, or wildlife hiding in the attic or crawl space.

Step 2

Your pest control technician will find out where the flea eggs and pupae are growing. The next step is applying products to those areas of your home to prevent flea eggs and pupae from developing into adult fleas and to eliminate the adult fleas already present. The second step is to treat the outdoor areas around your home to control adult and developing flea populations in these areas as well. Your tech will also recommend at this time that your pet be treated for fleas by his or her veterinarian.

On-Going

During the following weeks, it will be important for you to use a powerful vacuum to remove any lingering fleas from your carpet and furniture. Be sure to discard of the vacuum bag in a sealed outside garbage can to prevent re-infestation inside the home. You should wash your pets’ bedding in hot, soapy water frequently. Your pets will also need to be washed and groomed often to keep fleas at bay. After a period of time, your pest control technician should return for a follow-up inspection to ensure that the flea problem has been completely eliminated.

Here in the south, fleas can pose a problem for homeowners and pet lovers year-round. This is especially true if you live near wooded areas, or if you walk your dogs through fields or forests. North Fulton Pest Solutions understands the urgency involved with getting rid of your flea problem. If your Atlanta-area home requires pest control for fleas, call (770) 475-7419 to learn how we can help.