While fleas tend to thrive in summer's warm and humid conditions, pet owners shouldn't let their guard down in the Autumn. With temperatures stabilizing around 70 degrees and occasional rainfall, autumn can still create favorable conditions for flea infestations.
To effectively tackle flea problems during the Autumn, it's crucial to address the issue comprehensively. This involves treating your pets, home, and yard simultaneously. By taking proactive measures across all these areas, you can effectively combat flea infestations and ensure a comfortable environment for your pets and your household.
Treat Your Pet For Fleas During Autumn
As the Autumn season arrives, cats and dogs grow their winter coats, providing an ideal environment for fleas to thrive. However, grooming your pet during this time can be challenging due to the developing coat, making flea combing or shampooing less effective. In such cases, oral or topical flea treatments become essential for combating fleas during Autumn.
Effective options for flea control during Autumn include products like Bravecto, Revolution, or Frontline Plus. These treatments eliminate adult fleas and target their eggs and larvae. Even if your pet isn't currently dealing with fleas, it's advisable to administer Bravecto topical (for cats and dogs) or Bravecto chews (for dogs) every 12 weeks or opt for monthly applications of Revolution or Frontline Plus as preventive measures against potential flea infestations.
For dog owners, NexGard provides another reliable solution. Safe for puppies as young as eight weeks old, NexGard offers 30 days of protection against fleas while effectively eradicating fleas, their eggs, and larvae. Incorporating these products into your pet care routine can help maintain a flea-free environment and ensure the well-being of your furry companion during the Autumn season.
Treat Your Home To Fleas During Autumn
To effectively eliminate fleas from your home during the Autumn season, start by thoroughly vacuuming to target adult fleas, their eggs, and larvae. Pay close attention to dark and secluded areas, such as wall crevices and floorboard cracks, where fleas tend to hide.
Next, launder items that may harbor fleas, including rugs, carpets, soft furnishings, linens, pet bedding, and toys, using hot water at a temperature of at least 120°F. This heat will kill fleas, eggs, and larvae effectively. Make it a regular practice to wash these items at least once a week until you're confident that the flea infestation has been eradicated.
Consider using spray or fogging treatments for your home in severe flea infestations. However, evacuating your pets and children from the area is crucial before applying these treatments. Additionally, ensure that the treated area is thoroughly ventilated before allowing anyone to return. These measures will help ensure a flea-free environment in your home during the Autumn months.
Treat Your Yard For Fleas During Autumn
During the Autumn season, leaf piles can accumulate in your yard, providing an ideal shelter for fleas. To prevent flea infestations, make it a routine to rake up and remove fallen leaves from your yard regularly. Similarly, maintain consistent mowing of your grass to discourage flea growth. Maximizing sunlight exposure in your yard is also beneficial, as sunlight helps in killing fleas.
If you have outdoor pets and leave food and water bowls outside, clean the area regularly and bring the bowls indoors overnight. This precautionary measure prevents wild animals, which often carry fleas, from accessing the food and water and potentially infesting your yard with fleas. By implementing these practices, you can effectively reduce the risk of flea infestations in your outdoor spaces during the Autumn months.
