Some people say that spring heralds the start of flea season, and in the north, that's certainly true. But if you live anywhere south of the Mason-Dixon line, fleas can survive year-round. So it's vital to keep your pet and home pest-free! Don't let those pesky parasites spoil your entire life!

          Fleas are small wingless parasitic insects that live off the blood of mammals and birds. Usually, fleas just bother our furry friends. But sometimes dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, and other pets develop allergic reactions to the fleas' saliva. This leads to the development of rashes, and even loss of fur from excessive scratching or biting. This is called flea allergy dermatitis, and it can lead to painful secondary skin infections.

          Even if your pet doesn't have an allergic reaction to fleas, you should still beware. Fleas can carry diseases such as tapeworms and Lyme disease. Although tapeworms are not actually transmitted through flea bites, the fleas often carry tapeworm eggs. When your pet bites to relieve itching, he may ingest the parasite and become infected.

          Fleas have four stages in their life cycle: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The length of the cycle can be anywhere from 2 weeks up to a year, depending on environment, temperature, humidity, and food availability. One flea can produce 2000 eggs in its lifetime, and can reproduce year-round in southern climates.

          How are ticks different from fleas?

          Ticks are parasitic insects that infest every class of terrestrial vertebrate, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. They typically live in shady wooded or grassy areas, and so are most likely to target dogs. If you live in an area populated with ticks, you should keep a sharp eye out for these parasites. They can transmit serious diseases to dogs, and even to humans.

          What can you do to prevent flea/tick infestations?

          1) Treat your pet with a topical medication. There are several different brands available that will kill fleas and ticks, and their eggs, immediately. Advantage, Frontline, or Advantix (for use ONLY on dogs) are the most popular once-a-month brands available. They will provide quick relief for your pet, and lower the chances of reinfestation. Natural holistic sprays such as Mere’s At Last! Flea & Tick Spray will also kill a wide range of biting insects, and discourage them from returning to torment your pet again. (I use Mere’s At Last! on my own skin when I go outside at night, because it also repels mosquitoes--without using any harsh chemicals!)

          2) Flea treatment doesn’t end with killing the fleas or ticks on your pet. Flea dermatitis is one of the most common causes of itching and scratching. And in severe cases, it can be life-threatening. Provide your pet with ongoing relief by bathing it regularly with a non-detergent shampoo, such as any oatmeal-based shampoo, or one of Professional Pet Products’ fine line of herbal shampoos. Also, PPP’s Tar-ific spray or cream provides instant relief for itching caused by grass allergies, food allergies, or insect bites.

          ** Remember, most commercial shampoos contain detergents which will wash off topical flea/tick medications. Be sure to use a non-detergent shampoo if you plan to bathe your pet after applying any kind of topical medication. **

          3) Add a little garlic into your pet's diet. Garlic is a natural flea repellant, and it's also healthy for your pet. Brewer's Yeast, which is commonly available at most health food and pet stores, is a quick and easy way to provide your pet with extra vitamins, minerals, and garlic, every day.

          4) Line your pet's bed with cedar chips. High-quality pet beds have cedar chips worked into the padding. Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart all carry cedar balls or chips to repel moths in your closet. Tuck several inside your pet's bed to make it smell fresher--and provide him with inexpensive flea relief.

          5) Treat your entire house with an insecticide specifically designed to kill ticks and fleas, such as Ortho's Home Defense. Repeat this treatment every two weeks, to kill new fleas/ticks as they hatch. Remember to spray under and inside couches, beneath chair cushions, behind bureaus, etc., to kill fleas where they hide and breed. Change the brand every month or so, because over time, fleas and ticks will become immune to the same chemicals.

          6) Treat your patio, lanai, and/or yard every month with a different brand of insecticide.

          It can take up to six months to completely eliminate a heavy infestation, so stay alert! Your pet will thank you for your diligence!