Busting Three Myths About Fleas And Ticks

Busting 3 Myths About Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks have served as a source of disease and discomfort for centuries. In modern times, experts have made great strides to control these troublesome parasites. In spite of of that there are three common myths that still exist and they make the problem worse.

Myth: Fleas and tick are only a problem for dogs.

Truth: Fleas and ticks can make both your dog and you miserable, not to mention ill. Fleas can transmit bartonellosis (also known as cat scratch fever to humans). They also serve as a intermediary host for tapeworms. Ticks transmit several diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. That means flea and tick control is just as important for your health as it is your

They are applied both internally and topically. They work well in killing these parasites. Maybe too well. Their effectiveness has lured us into a false sense of success. Because even though these control methods get many of them they don’t get them all. That is one reason why we seem to be losing the war.

It’s important to understand that only adult fleas live on the host. The immature stages exist in the surrounding environment. The fleas on your pup only account for 5% of the total population of fleas in your environment.

There are four stages of development in fleas, the egg, larva, pupa and adult. Adult fleas feed on your dogs blood. After which they mate and the females produce eggs. The eggs fall off the dog into carpet, furniture and other areas. Eventually larvae emerge from the eggs and then develop into pupae. When the pupae mature into adult fleas they jump onto your dog and the cycle begins again.

If there is no host nearby when the fleas hatch they can go a good while without feeding. So, for instance, if you and your pet are away for several days when they hatch an infestation can quickly occur when you

Even when you practice aggressive control they can re-establish their hold.

Myth: Fleas and ticks are only a problem in warm weather.

Truth: This may be the most common belief about fleas and ticks. Many people believe they come out in warm weather and die off in the colder seasons. We think once we have a hard frost or snow it will send these unwelcome parasites packing.

However, this is not the case. There are many places fleas can survive. They include underground burrows, sheds and outbuildings, under decks and around foundations. You get the idea. In other words, if the over all conditions, including temperatures and food supply are sufficient a populations of fleas can exist and reproduce. Ticks are also capable of surviving surprisingly cold temperatures.

Because these critters possess an incredible ability to survive cold weather may reduce but not eliminate flea and tick populations. That means when warm weather returns so do the infestations.

How to win the war

These steps can help you minimize fleas and ticks:

Be realistic about the problem. You probably do have fleas and ticks living in the area around your home. If the problem is severe or you think they are in your home contact a professional