FLEA AND TICK

 

FLEAS-Small, 1/16" long, reddishbrown, wingless insect. Body compressed laterally, legs long and adapted for jumping. 

 

Keep pets and people out of treated area (indoors and outdoors) until spray dries.

 

Step 1. With veterinarian supplied products that are currently available, control of fleas in small- to moderatesized infestations is likely to occur by using those pet treatment products alone. May take 2 months to completely break flea life cycle. Sprays of pyrethrum and pyrethroids may not work as well as the newer chemistry used in pet treatments because of the potential of insecticide resistance. If pet treatment alone does not provide sufficient control, initiate a complete control program by April.

 

Step 2. Vacuum infested areas twice a week and prior to treatment to remove eggs, larvae, adults and organic matter. Steam- cleaning carpet may also reduce populations. Eliminate fleas from pets, bedding and premises before departing on vacation.

 

Step 3. Treat pet resting areas indoors and clean or remove pet bedding on the same day. Insect growth regulators important to break flea life cycle. A combination of an insect growth regulator and an adulticide may be the most efficient formulation to use.

 

Step 4. Mow grass, keep weeds down and trim shrubs to expose flea eggs and larvae to lethal dessication. Irrigating areas surrounding buildings, but not against building, may kill fleas by drowning. If fleas are surviving outdoors, apply insecticide to labeled areas. 

 

 

TICKS-brown or grey, oval to round, hard-shelled, 6 to 8- legged creatures which invade homes, yards and get on pets and people. 

 

Nonchemical methods for reducing tick problems include mowing the lawn and controlling weeds. This has three advantages - it lowers the moisture in the grass microclimate and allows sunlight to penetrate, which tends to cause ticks to dry out; it discourages rodents (which may serve as hosts) from nesting; and lastly, because there is less plant matter, less pesticide may be needed if a treatment is necessary. Also, removing debris, weeds or clutter from around the house discourages rodents from nesting. Repair entry points into the house to discourage possible tick hosts from entering. Cracks and crevices, both indoors and out, can be sealed to reduce hiding places for ticks. Inspect and clean pets and their bedding frequently. If bedding is infested, it can be cleaned or destroyed. In the home, ticks stay around baseboards and walls. Use insecticides in cracks and crevice in the home for brown dog tick.