Environmental Control and Habitat Management

A significant portion of the battle against flea, tick, and mosquito problems can be waged by maintaining a habitat that's inhospitable to them. Vacuuming the house, including draperies and furniture, will go a long way in reducing the flea population within your home. To increase the effectiveness of this approach, vacuum often and always empty the bag/canister outside and after every cleaning session. Many people even put pieces of a cut up flea collar into the bag or canister of their vacuum to aid in killing the fleas should they forget to empty it in a timely manner.

A daily combing of your pet(s) not only helps limit the number of fleas that remain and reproduce in your environment, but it might also reveal the presence of attached ticks. Combs are also a great choice for flea management on pets that are either too young, too ill, and/or pregnant and not suitable for more aggressive medicated treatments. There are even electronic combs that "zap" and kill fleas when the metal tines of the device make contact with the offending pest.

Other indoor treatment options include the previously mentioned room foggers, surface sprays/powders, and diatomaceous earth. Electronic traps that rely on the use of light and/or heat to attract and trap fleas would also fall under this category.

Outdoor options for habitat management include such things as the aforementioned surface sprays/powders and nematodes, as well as mosquito "magnet" traps, bug zappers, ultrasonic devices, misting systems, mosquito dunks, and natural predators such as bats and purple martins. For more detailed information pertaining to mosquito control options, please refer to the "Consumers Guide to Mosquito Control: Closing the Buffet" at 1st-4-Mosquito-Control.com

Tick control is perhaps best carried out by being prepared for possible encounters; this can be accomplished by dressing accordingly (e.g., white/light-colored clothes, pants tucked into your socks, long sleeves) and using proper repellants (e.g., permethrin and/or DEET-containing products) when venturing into areas that might support tick populations. Thorough "body checks" are also warranted after being in tick areas.

How to choose the best flea, tick, and mosquito products for your pet

A little bit of thorough research will go a long way towards reducing the discomfort and potential health risks associated with your pet coming into contact with fleas, ticks, and/or mosquitoes. However, choosing the best product involves more than just comparing prices and the ease of application of the various agents.

Begin your quest by considering your pet's specific needs and limitations. Does your animal suffer from flea allergy dermatitis? If so, a fast acting direct kill product will potentially prevent them from experiencing the bites that aggravate their condition.

Is your pet a "high risk candidate" for having a negative reaction to medicated items? Perhaps more "natural" herbal options are the solution for your furry, feathered, or scaled companion.

Does your dog like to jump into every body of water that he/she encounters? If so, you might need to use an oral product instead of a topical item that might be easily removed with water.

Treat this selection process with the same amount of consideration that you would if you were choosing a medication for you and/or your children. Your pet deserves no less than that.

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