Tips for flea, tick control this summer

Heather Patterson

Fleas and ticks are important pests of public health, and these wingless, troublesome disease vectors are on the move. Though they can be problematic throughout the year, activity usually increases during the warmer months.

Here are some tips to keep in mind for flea and tick control this summer:

• Start with a thorough inspection. When inspecting a property, it’s valuable to gather information about the areas that pets frequent. Find out where they feed, sleep and spend much of their time.
• Non-pet hosts, such as rodents, feral cats and other wildlife can continually reintroduce these pests to a customer’s property. Observe whether pets are being fed outside and if there is access to food around the area, as that can encourage wildlife hosts into the yard and onto the property.
• Landscape maintenance practices can affect tick populations. Find out how vegetation is being managed to reduce wildlife presence and suitable tick habitats. Make recommendations where appropriate.
• Consider using a combination product. Look for one that has a fast-acting active adulticide, plus an insect growth regulator (IGR) for long-term control of larval and nymphal life stages.