Fleas and ticks are unfortunate problems for countless dog and cat owners. Fortunately, flea and tick control methods can help. Whether your goal is prevention, removal or extermination, you can choose from various professional or DIY options to rid your life (and your pets) of fleas and ticks. Some of the most popular products for controlling fleas and ticks include collars, drops and special shampoos. For treating infested homes and businesses, there are powders, fumigators and natural products. Professional exterminators are often needed for infestations that have really taken root. Do fleas and ticks have you at wit's end, or do you simply want to protect your pets during their times outdoors? If so, read on for important information about flea and tick control options.
Getting rid of fleas that have infested a home or business can be very difficult. That's because fleas lay up to 50 eggs per day, and those eggs can remain dormant on your pet or in your carpets, furniture or other fabrics for weeks before hatching. That's why professional exterminators are often needed to end flea infestations. Terminix and Orkin are two national companies with highly regarded flea removal services. However, you should also ask about local companies in your area that might have treatments tailored for your specific region. Exterminators are not needed to kill ticks inside of homes, because ticks can't survive more than a few days indoors -- and that isn't long enough to lay new eggs.
Flea and tick collars are better at repelling ticks than fleas, because they mostly repel around the face and neck area, where ticks often attach. Drops are often better for repelling and killing fleas, because they treat the dog's entire body.
If you've already used monthly drops or pills on your pet, then you don't want to use a flea collar for any long period of time. The chemicals that enter your pet's fatty tissue through these flea and tick control options aren't harmful in small doses, but stacking control options could put your pet at risk. However, it's fine to use both for small amounts of time -- such as during a walk, or for an afternoon while camping.
Flea and tick shampoos are safe for most dogs that are suffering from infestations. However, some dogs and cats have skin or health issues that might be aggravated by chemicals in these shampoos. Talk to a veterinarian about these shampoos if your pet has any known health issues.
Only use flea and tick control products on the types of pets they're designed for. Don't use dog products on cats, or cat products on dogs. Dogs and cats are profoundly different, and you will likely expose your pet to great harm by using the wrong kind of product.
Some flea and tick control products are effective almost immediately, while others take hours or even days to reach full effectiveness. Pay attention to this as you're choosing the most appropriate option for your pet and your occasion.
Be wary of any product that contains tetrachlorvinphos, which some scientists claim might be carcinogenic to humans and pets. When in doubt, ask your pet's veterinarian.
Powders, fumigators and other flea eradication products may be effective in certain situations, such as treating small rooms or pet bedding before infestations have taken root. However, these products lose their effectiveness once infestations become widespread. You also must be careful about using these products because some might be harmful for pets or small children.