IF FLEAS AND TICKS ARE DISCOVERED

 IF FLEAS AND TICKS ARE DISCOVERED

Step 1: Help the Pet.
Make the pet comfortable. As a temporary measure flea and tick shampoos will remove the pests. This does not keep other adult fleas and ticks from getting right back on the animal. Use a flea comb on cats as they do not normally tolerate bathing.

Step 2: See a Veterinarian
Consult a veterinarian for the most appropriate product to apply directly to your pet. The clinic will prescribe a product based on the species, age and weight of the animal.

Step 3: Treat the Site.
Wash pet bedding in hot, soapy water and thoroughly clean areas frequented by pets, vacuuming carpeted areas and mopping hardwood and tile floors.
Treat premises with products labeled for indoor use. Newly hatched fleas live most successfully indoors as they prefer areas out of sunlight, temperatures of 70°-90° F. and high humidity.
Flea eggs drop into carpet and hatch into larvae. These larvae live on organic debris that is in carpeting. They also survive between the cracks of hardwood floors and along baseboards. After feeding for several days, they become a pupa, wrapped in a silken cocoon that is pesticide resistant.
The most effective premise sprays contain materials such as pyrethrins to quickly "knock down" adult fleas and an insect growth regulator, such as methoprene, to keep eggs and larvae from maturing into adults. This helps break the flea's life cycle. Vacuum carpets thoroughly before applying a pesticide labeled for indoor use. Vacuuming raises the nap, aiding penetration of the product.
Use an outdoor flea and tick control product in problem areas. Note that methoprene breaks down quickly outdoors. Use products containing pyriproxyfen as an outdoor insect development inhibitor.