Spring Has Sprung And So Have Fleas And Ticks!

Spring is here officially today and it is time to start protecting your dogs and cats against those blood sucking fleas and ticks. Have you bought your prevention medicine yet? I have. I don't want my dogs to be infected by those bloodsuckers! With Spring comes warmer weather, and fleas and ticks emerge.

This year fleas and ticks may be even worse than ever due to the warmer than usual winter. Veterinarians are predicting an extremely bad year for them.

Did you know one flea in your house can become as many as 100,000 in just 30 days? I certainly didn't. That is a scary thought.

I read an article that said the full life cycle of a flea begins when the temperature is above 70 degrees and the humidity increases and peaks when the temperature reaches 70 to 85 degrees and high humidity is 70%. We have already reached those temperatures here in Southeastern Indiana. The article said an adult flea can lay 15 to 20 eggs a day and over 500 in her lifetime. After the female lays eggs, they emerge as adults in 14 days during peak.

The only way to protect your pets and your home from being infected is to treat your pet with a preventative medication, before they get a chance to get into your carpet, sofa, clothing and even in your bed. Once they invade your home that creates a much bigger problem.

If you have ever had them in your home, you know how hard it is to get rid of them. I know from past experience. When I moved from my old house to our farm and everything was out of the house I went back to shampoo the carpets and when I walked across the carpet , those little varmints jumped on my socks. There is something about white socks that attracts them. I didn't even know they were in the house, because I never saw any signs of them. Needless to say, I had to bomb the house a couple of times to get rid of them. I guess if you want to make sure if they are in your home, just put some white socks on and walk across the carpet. I know it sounds crazy, but it is true.
In my older posts I talked about fleas and ticks, so you might want to check that out. This is just a reminder to let you be aware that spring is now upon us and it is time to get your preventative medicine for fleas and ticks. Both of them can be harmful to your pets and like I said before, create a much bigger problem and much more costly if they invade your home.

Enjoy your Spring! Oh yeah, remember to either purchase medication from your vet or check with them, before you use any product on your pet. There are some over the counter products that can be toxic and can even kill your babies!