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Whether you're mystified - or just mortified
- by fleas and ticks, dispelling the
following myths can help you gain a better
understanding of these plentiful pests. |
Myth: Cold weather kills fleas and ticks.
Fleas and ticks thrive in the fall and early winter.
In fact, fall is peak time for deer ticks. And
while you may see fewer fleas in frigid weather,
they may still be living in your house and on
wildlife in your yard. Plan to treat your pet and
yard well into the fall and early winter (year-round
if you live in a moderate climate).
Myth: If your dog is vaccinated against Lyme
disease, a tick preventive is not necessary.
No vaccine protects 100%, so you do need
to use a tick preventive, too. Also, ticks carry
many other diseases, such as ehrlichiosis,
anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted
fever, for which there are no effective vaccines.
Myth: Cats don't need flea and
tick protection.
Other pets or people can bring fleas and ticks
indoors to infest even the most reclusive cat.
Feline flea and tick protection, such as Advantage® II Flea Control for Cats, is always a good idea.
Myth: City pets don't need
flea and tick protection.
Pets living in urban settings can still
encounter fleas and ticks from wildlife,
nearby grass or foliage, or encounters
with other pets. To minimize infestation
risk, treat your pet and outdoor areas.
Myth: Fleas prefer carpeted spaces.
Opportunistic fleas will happily occupy
cracks between hardwood, laminate, or floor
tiles, simply waiting for a host to pass by.
Myth: A few visible fleas =
only a minor problem.
You're seeing the adult fleas - not the
hundreds of eggs, larvae, and pupae
developing in surrounding areas. If
you see even a few fleas, treat your
pet, home, and yard immediately.
Myth: Once fleas are no longer visible,
treatment is no longer necessary.
Even if fleas seem to be gone, stay vigilant.
Prevention is key, especially after an
infestation. We recommend continual use of
a monthly topical on your pet(s), and regular
treatment of your yard/outdoor areas.
