While the winter weather inspires some pests to become more active and make their way inside of your home, for other pests the winter weather impedes their life cycle and development.
For instance, fleas on your pets are happiest during the warm temperatures – specifically, around 70 to 80 degrees, and they need an increased level of humidity – around 70%.
During the winter months, the temperatures are far too cold for fleas to reproduce and be active, and the dry air makes conditions impossible for them to get from host to nest, etc.
This means that the winter months are the perfect time of the year to implement preventative measures so that when the spring and summer months arrive, you have a head start on keeping fleas out of your home.
Here are just a few preventative measures that you can take to keep the fleas away:
- While many people think that fleas only live on their animals, this is a serious misconception. Your pets are simply a moving buffet line for fleas, this is not where they necessarily “live”. A female flea will lay eggs anywhere; in your carpet, furniture, mattress, and even in your yard. The first line of defense against fleas is to keep them out of your yard and off of your property. This is done by simply mowing your lawn and keeping shrubs trimmed so that the fleas don’t have a place to hide. Also, make sure you are not putting out any invitations to feral animals to come into your yard. For instance, standing water and picnic leftovers will invite raccoons, rodents, and cats – all of which will carry fleas.
- Since fleas are far less active during this time of year, it is a great time to give your animals a flea treatment. There are many options, all of which should be carried out through the year but, giving one during the winter months will help to give a head start to preventing an infestation.
- Having fleas in your home does not mean that your home is dirty. However, fleas look for areas where they can hide, so removing clutter now is a good way to prevent an infestation later. Also, regular vacuuming is an important measure in fighting against fleas. Removing eggs and adult bodies from the fibers of your carpet will dramatically reduce the flea population in your home.
With the winter weather bringing many things to a slowdown, this is a great time of year to take some preventative measures against a flea infestation. Follow these tips and keep your eyes peeled for the little guys, so when the spring and summer months come you are not taken by surprise.
