Flea Control in Enid, Oklahoma

Fleas get going when Oklahoma turns warm and humid, and OSU Extension says spring and summer are when infestations are most likely. The first sign is usually a dog or cat scratching more than normal. Look near the base of the tail and on the belly for the fleas themselves, or for flea dirt, which OSU describes as dark specks about the size of ground pepper.

Only the adult fleas live on the pet. The eggs, larvae and pupae are in the pet's surroundings: bedding, carpet, rugs, couch cushions, dog houses and shady spots under the deck or porch. That's why treating the pet alone often doesn't end it.

Treat Pets, House and Yard Together

OSU's advice is to treat the pet, the home and the yard at the same time, and to treat every pet in the house, not just the one that's scratching. Talk to your vet about the right product for each animal. Some pet treatments last 30 days or more.

For a bad infestation, a provider treats the indoor and outdoor areas where fleas develop. Plan on a follow-up visit.

Your Part

The provider will give you a prep list. These steps help either way:

• Wash pet bedding in hot water
• Vacuum carpets, rugs and furniture before and after treatment
• Comb pets with a flea comb dipped in soapy water
• Keep pets out of crawl spaces and from under the deck

Fleas Without Pets

OSU notes that when fleas can't find a dog or cat, they'll bite people. Fleas in a house with no pets often trace back to a previous owner's animals or to wildlife and strays under the porch or in the crawl space. Mention that on the call. If rodents are the source, rodent control may be part of the fix.

Related: Tick Control, Bed Bug Treatment, Rodent Control

Serving Downtown Enid, Kenwood, Waverley, North Enid, South Enid and Vance AFB Area, Waukomis, Kremlin, Carrier, Lahoma, Drummond, Hillsdale, Hennessey.