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7 Tips for Reducing Tick and Flea Infestations

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Fleas and ticks may pose potential harm to your family and pets as they are known to transmit several diseases, and some of them can be life-threatening. There are at least 19 diseases that can be transmitted by ticks to humans. Although fleas do not transmit as many diseases as ticks, they can be the source of 4 diseases that infect humans and pets.

Tips for reducing tick and flea infestations:

  1. Maintain your lawn’s grass length: Fleas and ticks will hide in grass that is left too long. Keeping your lawn mowed at the correct height on a regular basis will make it a less attractive place for them to live.
  2. Water only when the lawn needs it: Fleas and ticks prefer moist environments, so a lawn that is wet or over watered will be more attractive to them. In most cases, a lawn only needs 1 inch of water per week to stay green and healthy.
  3. Apply an insect control application to the perimeter of your home: This may not prevent them from still getting into your house or onto your pets, but it will help prevent them from entering through cracks and other ports of entry, like doors and windows.
  4. Apply an insect control to the lawn area as well: This should be done on a regular basis during the spring, summer and fall. They like cool, shady areas and often remain within 50 feet of a pet’s favorite place to lay outside. Be sure to treat areas under decks or by low-growing shrubs.
  5. Keep the lawn area clean: Keeping your lawn clean reduces hiding places for ticks and fleas. Remove brush and/or lumber piles, stacks of bricks, landscape pavers or other items that can be a suitable hiding place.
  6. Prune large trees and shrubs to increase sunlight penetration.
  7. Use cedar chips in areas where your pets like to play or rest: Cedar has natural repellant properties for many insects, including fleas and ticks. You can also use cedar chips around the border of your property to form a barrier. This helps to keep them from entering your yard all together.
Be diligent when checking for flea and ticks by protecting yourself and your pets from the dangers of flea and tick bites. Always check both yourself and your pet for any signs of these insects, especially after walking through wooded or grassy areas. Contact your neighborhood professional at Spring-Green to inquire about these and other beneficial services that are offered in your area.