The average flea’s lifespan lasts just 2-3 months, but they can do a lot of damage in that time.

The worst of Texas’s flea and tick season is right around the corner, meaning it’s time for you to take action to protect your furry friends (and the rest of your household).

When is flea and tick season in Texas? How can you prepare and manage infestations as quickly as possible?

Find answers to these and other essential flea and tick-related questions below.

When Is Flea and Tick Season?

According to the American Kennel Club, fleas are prevalent year-round in Texas (the same is true for most southern states because of the warm, humid climate).

However, fleas also tend to be especially problematic during the late spring and early summer (May to July). While you should be vigilant about flea and tick protection throughout the year, it’s a good idea to ramp up your prevention and management efforts during the hottest months (more on that in a minute).

How Much Damage Can Fleas and Ticks Cause?

Although fleas and ticks are tiny creatures, they can still do a lot of harm to humans and pets alike. The following are some of the most significant risks to keep in mind regarding fleas and ticks:

Animals

Because fleas and ticks are so tiny (fleas are 0.1-0.32 centimeters, and ticks are about 2-3 millimeters), most people don’t even realize they’ve affected their pets until it’s too late. They can easily nest in your pets’ fur and in carpeting, upholstery, and bedding before anyone notices their presence.

When fleas bite dogs or cats, they may experience flea bite dermatitis, a type of allergic reaction caused by flea saliva. Symptoms include itching, scratching, hair loss, and infections.

If an animal eats a flea, it can develop a tapeworm (an internal parasite) that affects their weight and coat quality. 

As for ticks, if they bite an animal, they can pass on viral and bacterial infections, such as Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Babesiosis, Bartonellosis, and Hepatozoonosis.

Humans

Humans can also get sick and experience skin irritation when bitten by fleas or ticks.

An allergic reaction to a flea bite might include redness, itchiness, hives, or infections (especially for those who frequently scratch the affected area).

A tick bite could also cause Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, and Tularemia. 

There’s a risk of humans getting tapeworms from fleas, too. Because fleas are so tiny, it’s easy to accidentally consume one without realizing it, exposing you to parasites like tapeworms.

How to Prepare for Flea and Tick Season

Fleas and ticks can wreak havoc on your family and your pets. However, the good news is that there are several steps you can take to prepare for flea and tick season and reduce your chances of dealing with their bites and the illnesses they can spread.

The following are some of the best strategies to prepare for flea and tick season in Texas:

Mow Your Lawn Regularly

Consistent landscaping can help you catch fleas and ticks before they have a chance to latch onto your pets and catch a free ride into your home. Stick to a regular lawn mowing schedule to minimize your flea and tick risk and keep your yard looking nice.

Remove Tall Weeds

Removing weeds, especially tall ones, is another effective way to reduce your pets’ chances of bringing fleas or ticks indoors. Remember that tall weeds can also be effective hiding places for other pests, including rodents, so it’s especially worthwhile to take care of them before they get out of hand.

Invest in Preventative Pest Control

Consider hiring a pest control company before the fleas and ticks take over. Many pest control professionals offer preventative maintenance plans and treat your yard regularly (usually once a month) to reduce the chances of pests sneaking in and messing with your family.  Natran Green Pest control’s EcoYard program provides comprehensive outdoor protection for your yard from fleas, ticks, and mosquitos.

Cover Trash Cans

Fleas often get carried into yards or houses by rodents like mice and rats. By making your property less hospitable to rodents, you can reduce your chances of having to deal with them or fleas.

One of the best ways to keep rodents away is to keep your trash cans covered -- especially outdoor ones. Be sure to clean up food and drink spills, too, to avoid attracting them.

Give Your Pets Preventative Medications

Talk to your vet about preventative flea and tick medications for your pets.

These medications do a great job of protecting your animals and, by default, your family. They’re easy to administer, too (some are pills taken just once a month, and you can also get annual injections). 

Examine Pets Thoroughly

When bringing your pets indoors (especially after spending time at the park, on a hiking trail, etc.), examine them carefully, parting their fur to look for fleas or ticks (or bites). Regular checks help you catch fleas or ticks early and avoid bringing them inside.

Wash Bedding and Soft Surfaces Regularly 

If your pet carries fleas or ticks inside, it’s easy for those creatures to nestle into bedding, carpets, or other soft surfaces and begin proliferating. To reduce the chances of this happening, be sure to wash your bedding and your pet’s bedding regularly, as well as other surfaces like carpets, rugs, and couches.

How to Get Rid of Fleas and Ticks

Despite your best efforts, there’s still a possibility you could end up with a flea or tick issue on your hands. If someone in your household experiences a flea or tick bite, here are some steps you can take to correct the problem as quickly as you can:

Know the Signs

How are you supposed to address a flea or tick infestation if you don’t know the signs?

To catch fleas, watch for the following when examining your dogs:

• Droppings or “flea dirt” (tiny dark spots)
• Flea eggs (small, white grains)
• Skin redness, itchiness, etc.
• Excessive scratching, licking, or biting of the skin
• Hair loss
• Scabs or hot spots
• Pale gums

Look for these signs to spot tick bites early: 

• Ticks (tiny dots about the size of a pin head) on the ears, head, or feet
• Skin irritation
• Redness or swelling 

You may also want to watch for signs of conditions like Lyme disease, such as joint pain, fatigue, or appetite changes.

Contact Your Vet

As soon as you notice signs of flea or tick bites, contact your vet. They can provide specific recommendations for your furry friend and help you get rid of the problem properly and promptly.

Vacuum

Similar to mowing your lawn to manage fleas and ticks outdoors, vacuuming your carpets can help you manage them indoors.

If you suspect fleas or ticks are present in your home, break out the vacuum and address all the carpets and rugs, and other surfaces like cushioned furniture. Pay special attention to cracks and crevices, as well as the areas between the baseboards and the carpet.

When you’re finished vacuuming, empty the bag or canister in an outdoor trash can with a lid. Otherwise, the fleas will jump back out and settle in once more.

Steam Clean

High temperatures will kill fleas and ticks. Try steam cleaning your carpet to wipe out any lingering pests.

Wash Bedding with Hot Water

Wash bedding (human and animal) with hot water to eliminate fleas and ticks. In the case of severe infestations, consider throwing out your pet’s bedding and replacing it altogether.

Use a Flea Comb

A flea comb lets hair glide through the teeth but stops the fleas from doing the same. It also catches flea feces and dried blood.

When combing your pet’s hair with a flea comb, focus on the neck and tail, as these areas tend to attract fleas. Drop the fleas you find into hot, soapy water.

Keep Pets Indoors as Much as Possible

During the worst of flea and tick season in Texas, consider limiting the amount of time your pets stay outdoors. Not only will this protect them from fleas and ticks, but it can also reduce their chances of overheating and experiencing dehydration or heat stroke. 

Contact a Professional Pest Control Company 

You can do a lot on your own to eliminate fleas and ticks. However, it’s also helpful to contact a pest control team to assess your property and help you understand the extent of the infestation. They can use high-quality, potent pesticides to combat the issue and prescribe a plan to prevent it from returning. They will also be able to provide multiple treatements, which may be needed due to the egg hatching cycle of fleas.

Fight Flea and Tick Season with Natran Green Pest Control

Peak flea and tick season will be here before you know it. Use the tips and suggestions listed above to prepare and protect your loved ones.

If you need help managing a flea or tick problem in your home, Natran Green Pest Control offers safe, effective, and eco-friendly solutions, as well as preventative maintenance options.
Contact us today for a quote or to learn more about our flea and tick services.