Now that the warm weather is back, unfortunately so are fleas and ticks.  Even worse, they’re seeking out your pets as a host.

Here are a few tips you can follow to prevent fleas from becoming a problem for your furry companion:

• Always check your pet’s bedding daily for evidence of fleas.  The eggs are slightly smaller than a pin head, oval and cream colored and are usually found in cracks, crevices and bound with strands of carpet.
• If pets are to be outside at all, be sure you have a veterinary-prescribed flea treatment that is applied regularly according to the label.  Adult fleas usually stay clinging within the fur of the pet but will die if a flea protection has been regularly applied to the pet.

If fleas are discovered, here are a few additional tips to follow:

• If fleas are found on the pet, comb out or remove and kill the fleas.  Vacuum all areas of the floor, especially under sofas and chairs and under sofa and chair pads.  Throw the vacuum bag out and replace with a new bag.
• If fleas are found, inspect your yard for fleas by dragging an old towel or rag across areas where pets usually walk.  If fleas are present they will jump onto the towel.  If this occurs, the yard will need immediate treatment.
• If live fleas are found indoors, a flea treatment should be performed immediately.

Fleas can get out of hand fast so it’s important to stay vigilant and constantly inspect for the above signs of infestation.

Knowing How Fleas Get In and Stay In – Can Help You Get Them Out and Keep Them Out.

Fleas have always followed pets into homes annoying both Fido and his owner. What’s more annoying is they always seem to resurface when they’re least expected!

Prevent Fleas in Your Home

Fortunately this is not because we’re messy or don’t bathe our pets regularly. Rather, it’s a result of the flea life cycle. You see:

• Fleas lay tiny eggs about ½ the size of a pinhead.

• Eggs hatch into wiggling, hairy little larva.

• Larvae turn into miniature cocoons with pupa inside.

• Cocoons are spun right into the carpet material so that they cannot be vacuumed.

• Pupa wait until there is plenty of motion indoors to hatch.

Knowing all of this can help you control fleas inside your home. Follow these tips to evict fleas from your abode.

• Use flea products on pets without interruption so populations cannot get started.

• Vacuum any flea eggs thoroughly before larvae hatch & cocoons are spun in carpet.

• Treat for fleas and then wait. (It takes about 2 weeks for the last generation of cocoons to emerge into adult fleas because these cocoons cannot be killed or removed).

• Continue to remove fleas from pets daily until all fleas are gone.

If you think you have a flea problem, or want to learn more about Massey’s Pest Prevention, schedule a free inspection or call us at 1-888-2MASSEY (262-7739).

Nothing is more natural during the summer than kids playing outdoors. But there are a few common pests that can get in the way of that fun.Here are a few common pests that can be aggravations to you and your kids this summer:

• Fire ants. These are the most dangerous ants you’ll find in your lawn. They deliver painful stings, which can cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylactic shock, in some people. In addition to attacking people, fire ants can also sting your pets.  Be sure to teach your kids not to disturb fire ants or their mounds and have a professional take care of the problem.
• Fleas. In our warm environment, fleas can develop from egg to adult in just 2 weeks. Plus, it’s possible for 10 adult fleas to produce over 250,000 offspring in just a month! While fleas are most often found on animals, they will also jump on humans for a blood meal. In addition to causing itching and discomfort, fleas have also been known to transmit diseases like plague, typhus and tapeworm.
• Mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are more than a summer annoyance;they can also carry harmful diseases. This potential danger makes it important to effectively treat the areas where mosquitoes live and breed, including dense foliage and standing water. To help keep mosquitoes away, be sure to replace all standing water, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if going out at dusk or dawn. If you can’t avoid being in mosquito-infested areas, use insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin.

Pests don’t have to spoil your family’s fun this summer. To keep them under control – guaranteed – contact Massey Services for a free,detailed pest inspection.

This is the time of year when fleas become a lot more active and noticeable. In the southeastern states, fleas can develop from an egg to an adult in just 2 weeks! That’s when they start looking for a blood meal – like you or your pet.

To keep fleas out, you should thoroughly clean your premises and arrange for pet treatments. If your home is going to be treated for fleas,make sure you remove toys and objects from the floor, and then vacuum all areas, especially areas around baseboards and the dark areas under cushions and chair pads near pet rest areas. Be sure to mow your lawn before outdoor treatments. If you’re having trouble controlling fleas in and around your home,contact Massey Services for a free, detailed inspection today.

This is the time of year when fleas become a lot more active and noticeable. In the southeastern states, fleas can develop from an egg to an adult in just 2 weeks! That’s when they start looking for a blood meal – like you or your pet.

To keep fleas out, you should thoroughly clean your premises and arrange for pet treatments. If your home is going to be treated for fleas,make sure you remove toys and objects from the floor, and then vacuum all areas, especially areas around baseboards and the dark areas under cushions and chair pads near pet rest areas. Be sure to mow your lawn before outdoor treatments. If you’re having trouble controlling fleas in and around your home,contact Massey Services for a free, detailed inspection today.