FLEAS
Fleas are parasitic insects with four primary life stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. Flea eggs are white and small (about the size of a salt granule); flea larvae look like tiny, milky-white caterpillars; and flea pupae resemble small, crusty cocoons. Adult fleas are reddish to dark-brown, about 2.5 mm in length, with thin, flat, wingless bodies. There are believed to be over 2,500 species of fleas on the planet.
Fleas can get out of hand fast, and by the time you spot them, they’ve probably already spread throughout your home and yard. They’re especially troublesome for puppy and kitty parents, as fleas are the #1 cause of skin disease in pets (they transmit tapeworms, too!). Getting a flea issue under control doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a process that can take several weeks. But with patience, dedication and know-how, you can conquer these nasty pests. With the following tips, we’re going to help show you how.
Where to Treat
Flea populations can easily move from outdoors to indoors and vice-versa. To properly address a flea problem, you’re going to need to treat both inside and outside your home. Furthermore, because fleas and flea eggs are easily hidden within the home and lawn, you’ll likely need to treat your entire house (via fogging) and entire yard instead of spot treating. Lastly, If you have cats or dogs, you’ll need to treat them and their bedding, too. (During treatments and until your flea issue improves, it’s a good idea to wear personal repellent to prevent bites as well).
What You Need
Our naturally sourced pesticide and repellent, Cedarcide Original, is our recommended product for personal, pet and indoor use (including fogging). PCO Choice, our non-toxic outdoor pest control concentrate, is what we suggest for outdoor use (lawn, garden, bushes, shrubbery, etc).
Tips for Controlling Fleas
The key to tackling a flea problem is to treat all sources of the pests within a short window, and then repeat the process every 5-7 days until the issue is resolved—that includes pets, yourself, your home and your yard. It’s much easier to prevent a flea problem than it is to treat one. Here’s a few simple guidelines to keep fleas out of your life:
- Treat your yard monthly with PCO Choice to kill and repel fleas and flea eggs.
- When fogging indoors, treat every 5-7 days until your issue is resolved.
- Periodically check your pets for fleas.
- Before and after walks, hiking, dog park visits and other outdoor activities, spray yourself and your dog with Cedarcide Original to repel fleas and other biting insects.
- Apply Cedarcide Original monthly to dog beds, doorways, windowsills, baseboards and other possible entry points to prevent fleas from entering your home in the first place.
