Summer may have come to an end, but parasite season is still underway, with fleas and ticks lurking in tall grass, hiding in wooded areas, and crawling in leaf piles. While these bloodsuckers can bug your pets year-round, some species actually peak through October and November, putting your pet’s health at risk. Use these autumn pest control tips to keep fleas and ticks from bugging your cat or dog.
Flea Prevention in the Fall
Though your pets may have stayed flea-free all summer, they may be at greater risk for fleas come October. If the temperatures in your region were above 85 degrees Fahrenheit over the summer, it was likely too hot for flea larvae to emerge. Though fleas lay eggs on their host, the eggs tend to fall off, hiding in places like gardens, debris piles, and even in your carpet, waiting for the best time to hatch. With cooler weather, flea eggs on your property may hatch in large numbers.
How Flea Larvae Develop
Flea larvae need moisture to survive, so they thrive in rainy fall weather and the resulting soggy leaf litter. Like a caterpillar, they form a cocoon, but can take anywhere from 14 days to several months to emerge as adult fleas ready to feed on your pet. Flea pupae wait in their cocoon until the next warm day, or until they hitch a ride on your pet and end up in your warm house.
Even in the winter, your pet can pick up fleas in varied life stages from outside, infesting your home with last season’s pests. That is why, even when there is snow on the ground, your pet needs to be on a flea and tick preventative.
Tick Prevention in the Fall
Like fleas, ticks thrive in moist leaf litter in the fall. They also continue to lurk at your favorite parks and hiking destinations in tall grass and wooded areas. On chilly days, they tend to emerge in the middle of the day when it is warmest outside.
Ticks Do Not Hibernate
Ticks do not die in the winter, nor do they hibernate. Most species become less active when temperatures dip below freezing and when there is snow on the ground, but any time it is warmer than 40 degrees Fahrenheit, they become active again.
Wildlife Increases Fall Pest Exposure
Fall also brings increased wildlife activity. Deer, squirrels, and mice are all active during autumn — it is mating season for deer, while other animals are harvesting nuts and berries to build up fat stores and bury food caches. You may notice more wildlife in your yard, and with them, they often bring fleas and ticks.
Autumn Parasite Control for Cats and Dogs
All year, including in the fall, continue to treat your pet with a flea and tick preventive such as Advantix or Frontline. Do not forget to give your pet their heartworm preventative as well, since mosquitoes remain active when temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Dogs: Simparica Trio tackles fleas, ticks, and heartworm, as well as roundworms and hookworms.
- Cats: Even indoor cats need protection, as pests can find their way into your home via other pets or by clinging to your clothing when you go outside. Revolution Plus for cats protects against fleas, ticks, and internal parasites.
Yard and Environmental Control
Pets mainly pick up pests from their environment, so keeping your property tidy is an important part of autumn pest control.
- Keep grass mowed short, since tall grass protects pests from the sun.
- Clear leaf piles, standing water, and wood piles where pests like to hide.
- If possible, remove woodpiles or place them far from your home and outdoor pet areas.
- Use mulch or gravel to create a pest-free border between wooded areas and your yard.
- Treat your property with an outdoor treatment such as Sentry Yard & Premise Spray as needed.
