Fleas and ticks aren’t just pests; they’re blood-sucking parasites. Fleas are tiny insects while ticks are arachnids, but both of them survive by feeding on the blood of mammals, humans included. No one wants to find these parasitic pests in their yards or – worse still – their homes, but tick and flea infestations are common in Wisconsin throughout spring and summer. They’re especially bad for those with pets, as dogs and cats are often responsible for bringing these parasitic hitchhikers onto your property.

Are you determined to keep ticks and fleas out of your yard in Wisconsin this spring and summer? Keep reading to learn some of the best ways to prevent flea and tick infestations, and how to get rid of them if they do become an issue.

 

A Guide to Preventing Ticks & Fleas

Fleas and ticks often escape notice until they’ve become a problem, and that’s mainly because of their size. Wisconsin is home to two common tick species: deer ticks and dog ticks. Though by far the larger of the two, dog ticks only grow to ¼ inch long. Deer ticks are less than ⅛ long and can easily go undetected, especially if hidden in a pet’s fur. Fleas are even tinier, usually only growing to 1/16 inch. Because these pests are so small, normal pest prevention measures like sealing doors and windows won’t work to keep them out.

Fortunately, there are some ways to keep fleas and ticks out of your yard and home in Wisconsin. Try the following methods:

• Mow your lawn regularly so that ticks and fleas have less hiding places.
• Don’t keep piles of firewood or brush in your yard, since ticks and fleas will hide in them.
• If your yard borders the woods, lay down a barrier of gravel or wood chips to keep ticks from crossing over.
• Don’t place wooden furniture or children’s playsets close to wooded areas to reduce the risk of ticks invading.
• Do not feed wildlife, as animals like squirrels and raccoons may bring fleas and ticks into your yard.
• Apply tick and flea treatments to your pets during spring and summer before they start going outside.
• Inspect your pets on a regular basis for signs of flea or tick bites.
• Inspect yourself for ticks after going on a walk through woods or tall grass.
• Clean your home regularly, vacuuming the carpet thoroughly to get rid of fleas or ticks that have been tracked in by pets.

 

Unfortunately, despite your best efforts, fleas or ticks may still find their way into your yard. If you discover a tick or flea infestation, it’s imperative to get rid of it as soon as possible. Ticks and fleas can both carry a number of dangerous diseases which are spread by biting. Ticks are most infamous as carriers of Lyme disease, but also spread Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, ehrlichiosis, and more. Fleas can spread many diseases, like tularemia and murine typhus, as well as triggering allergies in sensitive individuals.

If you do have a flea or tick infestation in your yard, your first and best course of action should always be to call a professional pest control company in Wisconsin. Licensed pest control technicians will be able to treat your yard to exterminate active fleas and ticks while preventing others from venturing into your grass to lie in wait. With the aid of professional treatments, you’ll be able to let kids and pets play in your yard without the fear of becoming a host for these parasitic pests.

 

A Reliable Provider of Flea & Tick Control in Wisconsin

Are you ready to protect your yard with professional tick and flea control? Call Pest Badger today to schedule preventative treatments for your yard in Wisconsin!