Tips To Deal With Fleas During The Cold Weather

Fleas Be Gone: Tips To Eliminate Them

Dogs can give joy and solace to we need in our lives. Studies show that pets can help normalize your blood pressure and strengthen your immune system. With a pet, most people feel more relaxed and happy with their lives. Despite a stressful day, one hug from their dog gives them the reassurance you need.  Playing with your pet can help increase the production of serotonin and dopamine in your body. These hormones are responsible for happiness and satisfaction, respectively.

As pet enthusiasts, it is important to be responsible pet owners. There are factors that can compromise the health of our fur babies. Two of the most notorious health hazards of our pets include ticks and fleas. In this article, we will be facing how to deal with fleas, especially in the cold weather. These bugs are small, dark-coloured parasitic insects that invade the coat and skin of pets. Fleas can make our pets' lives irritable and frustrating. Fleas feed on our fur babies by ingesting their blood.

Now, why do we need to focus on fleas more during the winter than the summer? Well, these creatures are considered as a common winter pest. Fleas cannot strive outdoors. Which is why before winter comes, they need to infest a host for shelter and food. Dogs and cats are the most common target because of their long coat. Plus, they can be undetectable in small populations. The owners might not even suspect a thing unless they are already facing a full-blown infestation. 

During winter, it is impossible to use synthetic chemicals for extermination. The residues could cause irritation and inflammation to people and animals especially if it is not administered properly. When using chemicals, you will need an opportunity to let your house breathe. So, the smell can fade away. Without this chance to allow the smell and the residue fade, it could affect our internal organs, specifically our lungs.  

Dangers Of Fleas To Animals 

Fleas may be small, but they can lead to several problems concerning your pets. Did you know that the plague of fleas can cause anemia especially on small breeds? Although this condition is uncommon among dogs, it is not impossible depending on the severity of the infestation. Anemia is the sickness that is characterized by low hemoglobin. It can cause paleness, loss of appetite, and activity.

If you observe that your pet is not as active as before, there might be something wrong with them. You need to check it out.  Fleas can also cause disturbance, irritation, and skin infections. If it gets worse, it could lead to more severe symptoms, including death. Their immune system will start to weaken and they will be more prone to other illnesses. 

Eliminate Fleas From Your Home 

So, to eliminate fleas and prevent their infestation, here are simple tips to do during winter.

1. Use A Flea Comb

A flea comb is by far the least expensive method for removing fleas from your pet's body. This is a grooming tool used to comb your pet’s fur. A flea comb is not like any other pet comb. Its teeth are finely spaced. It works to detangle the coat and remove any dirt from the fur. So, it allows to physically trap and get rid of fleas, flea eggs, and any flea “dirt” from your pet’s coat and skin. You can buy a good quality of flea comb that can remove the pests including the eggs and larvae. Make sure that your dog’s fur is not intertwined to avoid pain when you comb it.

2. Enhance Your Dog Shampoo

There are flea shampoos on the market which can be expensive, but you need not have to worry as you can turn your ordinary dog shampoo into a flea shampoo. You just need to add half a cup of dog shampoo to half a cup of squeezed lemon juice and two cups of water. The lemon has a citrus component that can remove fleas. Pour the mixture in a bottle or any container. Use this to bathe your pet every week. The larger the dog, the more shampoo you will use. After bathing your dog, do not let it run in a grassy trail or lawn where most fleas reside. Keep using the shampoo until the fleas are gone.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar Helps To Repel Fleas

Apple Cider Vinegar can repel fleas because of its acidic nature. To create your own flea repellent, add one teaspoon full of fermented apple cider vinegar to one-fourth litre of water. Let your dog drink this mixture throughout the day. You can also make an apple cider spray by putting the mixture in a spray bottle mixed with water. This can be one of the simplest ways that you can use which repel fleas don’t like.

4. Use Boric Acid Powder

Boric acid, also known as hydrogen borate, is a weak, tribasic Lewis acid of boron, which is often used as an antiseptic or insecticide. Its borate salts are considered pesticides that can kill flea larvae.  Use boric acid powder to dust areas that are not exposed to sunlight. You can also use it to treat areas where the humidity is higher than 50 per cent. You have to make sure that your dog won’t lick off the boric acid powder from the surface. Its fumes could be a source of irritation to pets. Which is why we should make sure it cannot be reached by our fur babies.  After a couple of days, all flea eggs will dry out and get neutralized so as larvae that will suffocate to death. Vacuum away the debris and the boric acid powder afterwards.

5. Use Essential Oils

A flea invasion of our four-legged friend can be a nightmare. Using Essential Oils can help us get rid of the fleas. These are natural oils typically achieved by distillation and extraction.  one famous example is Rosemary, which is an effective organic flea control product.  To use essential oils as a flea repellent, use a mortar and pestle to combine the herb with some rue, fennel, peppermint, and. Grind them all together. Sprinkle the powder on your carpets, pet bedding, and windows and anywhere in your place that is prone to fleas.

6. Vacuum Regularly

If you have a problem with fleas indoors, it is best to vacuum your floors regularly and inspect the unused spaces of your home. Apply anti-flea formulas on your dogs and maintain their cleanliness when they play outdoors.  Remember to vacuum the floors every time you comb their hair with a flea comb. Some fleas might have already jumped away to avoid getting caught in its teeth. But they usually cannot go far. Which is why it is important to sweep the floors and vacuum every after a grooming session.

7. Treat Bedding, Carpets, & Foams With Anti-Flea Formula

The most notorious enemy in dealing with fleas is their eggs. They are almost invisible to the naked eye. Once the female flea lays an egg, it eventually falls down from your pet's body and hatches somewhere safe. Usually, they establish themselves on carpets, bedding, and clutter. Sometimes, they even latch on to your own clothes. So, to prevent more fleas to hatch, make sure to treat the common hiding spots of flea eggs with anti-flea solutions.  Our fur babies mean so much to us that we need to give them full protection from anything that compromises their safety. Always remember, pets are angels sent from above. We should take care of them as much as they do to us.

Call The Professionals At Lake Norman Pest Control

Before the infestation of fleas gets worse, it is best to call for experts to help you with pest management. If you are looking for the nearest pest control service in Huntersville, NC, call Lake Norman Pest Control.  Not all of us have the luxury of time to do the necessary measures for pest management. Plus, not all of those areas as skillful as the highly-trained exterminators in your area. So, to save yourself from the infestation, call for help.

Lake Norman Pest Control has been providing service for more than 50 years. Founded by Sam and Fran Newman, the company has always dedicated its efforts for customer satisfaction, safety, and efficiency.  For a pest-free environment, there's nobody else more suitable than Lake Norman Pest Control