Avoid summer flea and tick surge

Mel Whitson

Zoëcon

Surges in flea and tick activity are sure to accompany the warmer weather and heavier rainfalls. Known for transmitting Lyme disease and other ailments, ticks thrive in wooded areas, tall grass and leaf litter, and near water sources. Inspect these zones carefully — along with stone walls, woodpiles and garden ground cover — to prevent tick-borne illnesses from spreading.

Fleas are another warm-weather menace, notorious for invading homes and spreading diseases such as flea-borne typhus and cat scratch disease. They pose risks to both pets and humans. When inspecting for fleas, focus on areas where pets frequent, such as bedding and toys, as well as hidden spots in carpets, floor cracks, and behind upholstery and curtains. Outdoors, look for animal hiding places, including chimneys, crawlspaces and abandoned nests.

Effective control requires a combination of thorough inspections and targeted treatments to ensure these pests don’t gain a foothold.