Our pets are more than just animals; they’re beloved members of our families. And just like any family member, we want to keep them safe, healthy, and happy. Unfortunately, two tiny, persistent pests pose a significant threat to our furry companions: fleas and ticks.
At Pinkston Pest Control, we understand the concern pet owners in Lubbock have about these unwelcome invaders. Beyond the annoying itching, fleas and ticks can carry diseases that are harmful to both your pets and, in some cases, even to humans. That’s why effective prevention and prompt treatment are absolutely essential.
The Dangers of Fleas and Ticks
It might seem like a minor nuisance, but a flea or tick infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem:
Fleas:
- Intense Itching and Skin Irritation: Leading to scratching, biting, hair loss, and secondary skin infections.
- Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD): A severe allergic reaction to flea saliva that can cause extreme discomfort.
- Anemia: In severe infestations, especially in puppies and kittens, significant blood loss can lead to life-threatening anemia.
- Tapeworms: Fleas can transmit tapeworm larvae if ingested by your pet during grooming.
Ticks:
- Lyme Disease: While more common in other regions, it’s a serious bacterial infection that can cause lameness, joint pain, fatigue, and fever.
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: Another serious bacterial disease causing fever, headache, muscle pain, and rash.
- Ehrlichiosis: Can lead to fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, and bleeding disorders.
- Anaplasmosis: Similar to Lyme disease, causing lameness, fever, and lethargy.
- Tick Paralysis: A rare but serious condition caused by a neurotoxin in some tick’s saliva, leading to progressive paralysis.
Your Best Defense: Prevention!
The easiest way to protect your pets (and your home!) is to prevent fleas and ticks from ever becoming a problem. Here’s how:
- Consult Your Veterinarian: This is your first and most important step! Your vet can recommend the most appropriate flea and tick preventative for your pet’s age, weight, lifestyle, and local risk factors. Options include:
- Topical Treatments: Monthly “spot-on” applications.
- Oral Medications: Monthly chewable tablets.
- Flea/Tick Collars: Some modern collars are highly effective for several months.
- Shampoos and Dips: Primarily for immediate treatment, not long-term prevention.
- Regular Grooming & Inspections: Even with preventatives, regularly check your pet for fleas (especially around the tail base and belly) and ticks (particularly after outdoor activities, checking ears, toes, and under the collar).
- Maintain Your Yard: Ticks love tall grass and leaf litter. Keep your lawn mowed, trim shrubs, and clear away debris to make your yard less inviting.
- Wash Pet Bedding: Fleas love to hide and lay eggs in pet bedding. Wash all pet bedding in hot water weekly.
- Vacuum Regularly: Flea eggs, larvae, and pupae can be found in carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture. Vacuum frequently, especially in areas where pets spend time, and dispose of the vacuum bag immediately.
When Infestation Strikes: Professional Treatment is Key
Despite your best efforts, sometimes fleas or ticks find their way in. If you suspect an infestation, or if your pet is showing signs of discomfort and you’re seeing these pests, it’s time for more aggressive action.
While pet-specific treatments are crucial, addressing the infestation in your home and yard is equally important, as only a small percentage of fleas are actually on your pet; the rest are in your environment (eggs, larvae, pupae).
That’s where Pinkston Pest Control comes in! We offer effective pest control solutions that target fleas and ticks in your home and yard. Our experienced technicians can:
- Identify the extent of the infestation.
- Apply targeted treatments to eliminate fleas and ticks from your living spaces.
- Provide recommendations for long-term prevention strategies to keep your home pest-free.
Don’t let fleas and ticks compromise your pet’s health and your family’s comfort. Partner with your veterinarian for pet-specific prevention, and let Pinkston Pest Control handle the pests in your environment.
Contact Pinkston Pest Control today for a free estimate and safeguard your furry friends and your home!