Because of Georgia's warm and humid climate, it makes our state one of the worst in terms of flea and tick infestations. Not only can fleas and ticks bite us, they often times will follow warm-bodied hosts that are closer to the ground. If you have pets in your home, there are extra steps you should take this fall to keep your four-legged family members safe.
Fleas and ticks may be living in your front yard already and you have no idea. Although they are tiny, these pests can do a lot of damage and carry harmful diseases.
The dangers of Fleas and Ticks
Fleas
Fleas thrive in warm environments, and that's why waiting in the grass for your furry family members is perfect for them. Known for their jumping abilities, fleas are quickly able to jump up on your dogs when you take them outside and hitch a ride inside your house. Fleas are highly invasive and can quickly take over your home, usually living in warm places such as carpet, bedding, and near your animal's bellies, leaving both you and your animals with bites. Because of how quickly fleas can multiply, just five fleas on your dog can rapidly turn into an ongoing battle that can take months of treating to get them out of your home.
Ticks
Ticks, much like fleas, are most active in warm environments. They are often found in grassy, wooded areas, but as soon as they see a host they are quick to latch on. These blood sucking pests can be extremely dangerous; they carry many diseases and are not typically noticeable due to their small size. It sometimes isn't until people experience symptoms of Lyme disease, rocky mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, or anaplasmosis that they realize they may have been bit by a tick. These diseases can have lifelong effects and can harm both humans and animals.
How to Treat Fleas and Ticks
The best way to treat fleas and ticks is to prevent their presence in the first place. Some well-known preventative strategies include:
- Keeping your lawn well maintained by regularly mowing and treating your lawn with flea and tick treatments
- Conduct regular tick checks when your family members or animals have been outside in grassy areas
- Give your animals a monthly flea and tick preventative, as well as regular baths and grooming
- Cover up if you know that you will be in areas that could potentially have fleas or ticks, and apply repellant. Wearing a hat or tall socks can prevent these pests from biting you.
- Wash any bedding that your animals may have used regularly
Fleas and ticks can rapidly cause major problems for you and your family. Because of Georgia's climate, fleas and ticks are around most of the year, so it is extremely important that you take the correct precautions to keep your family safe. Agropro is here to help, offering recurring flea and tick treatments that will give you up to 28 days of control.