5 Ways to Fight Fleas

There are many things to love about living in warmer climates. We get to enjoy being outdoors all year round, and we have beautiful local scenery. However, there are also some downsides … some of which have six legs and can be a terrible nuisance. Read on for some tips from a local Metairie, LA vet about fighting fleas.

Preventative Care

The best thing you can do to protect your pet from these horrible parasites may also be the easiest. Just keep up with preventative care! There are quite a few different products you can choose from, including topical drops, oral medications, sprays, collars, and shampoos. Ask your vet for more information. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Also, you should never use more than one product at once, unless specifically instructed to by your vet.

Landscaping

Keeping up with your landscaping will also help. If you have shrubs or brush around your house, trim them back so the branches don’t touch your walls. That’s just an open invitation! You’ll also want to keep your grass trimmed. Fleas love to lurk in long grasses .

  

Property maintenance is also important. Get rid of any piles of junk or debris you have in your yard. These can create tempting hides for all sorts of critters, fleas included. If you have a garden or fruit trees, pick up fallen produce right away. Also, if you put up birdfeeders, don’t put them too close to the house. These things can attract wild animals that carry fleas.

Vacuuming

Vacuuming will also help quite a bit with fighting fleas. We recommend doing high-traffic areas daily, and your pet’s favorite spots daily. Then follow up with deeper cleanings once a week. It’s not a bad idea to get a steam cleaner, either.

Cleaning

Just keeping your home clean will also help! Fleas will nest in piles of dirty laundry, so don’t leave clothes on the floor. They also sometimes take up residence in baseboards, doorjambs, and window sills. Regularly wipe these down with a cleaning agent that will also disinfect. 

Diatomaceous Earth

Food-grade diatomaceous earth can also help with flea control. Sprinkle it on doorjambs, sills, and in areas that are hard to clean otherwise. 

Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your Metairie, LA veterinary clinic, we are here to help!