Now that we’re in the middle of the hot summer months, people from across the country are dealing with stubborn flea infestations that won’t seem to go away. Fleas prefer warm, humid climates, so it only makes sense for them to come out in full force during the summer. In fact, it’s not uncommon for flea eggs to remain dormant throughout the winter and spring, waiting until them months of July and August to hatch.
The good news is that flea infestations will begin to taper off once the temperatures begin to drop. The bad news is that winter is still several months away, and that means months of enduring painful, itching bites from these blood-sucking parasites. Well, you don’t have to wait until winter to solve your flea problem. With the right approach, you can keep fleas out of your home and away from your family.
“Flea season is greatly influenced by weather conditions such as temperature and humidity,” wrote The Weather Chanel. Generally speaking, though, most of the U.S. will experience the peak of flea season from late spring to early winter. This is when the temperature and humidity are just right for these blood-sucking parasites to thrive, and it’s also a time when hosts are abundant.
With flea activity at its highest around this time of year, you may need to use several different techniques to exterminate them. Don’t assume that a single flea bomb or pesticide spray is enough to solve your problem. Even if it offers some temporary relief, it will likely be short-lived, as fleas return once the chemical has dissipated from your home.
You should begin your battle against fleas by making your home unsuitable for them. How exactly do you achieve this? Well, going back to the basics of fleas and how they operate, they prefer warm, humid climates; therefore, lowering the thermostat in your home to below 70 degrees Fahrenheit and using dehumidifier will deter them from living or otherwise staying inside your home.
Assuming you own a dog and/or cat, you should also use a premium flea medicine to prevent these parasites from feeding. Treating your pets with Frontline, Advantage or Advantix will make your battle against fleas much easier. Just remember to reapply it as instructed (usually once per month).
If you’re still having trouble with your flea infestation, check out some of our previous posts here at FleaBitesonHuman.com.