Backyards are a hub of activity for homeowners in Central Florida. Our yards provide a haven of relaxation and respite from the daily grind, where we can watch our children and pets play or host guests for a cookout. Don’t let the potential for fleas and ticks shatter your peaceful setting – follow our expert tips on how to keep ticks and fleas out of your yard.
When Are Fleas and Ticks Active in Central Florida?
Unfortunately, fleas and ticks can be a year-round nuisance in our region. Here’s what you’re looking at through the seasons:
- Spring: Flea and tick activity will ramp up as early as March, especially in warmer climates. Landscapes will be blossoming, extending an invitation to these pests to join you in your yard.
- Summer: The most active time of year for ticks and fleas, they thrive in warm and moist climates. We also spend more time outdoors risking exposure.
- Fall: Our warm climate in Central Florida keeps our fall months in a temperature range that is very appealing to fleas and ticks. So unlike many parts of the country where fleas and ticks die off in the fall, we’re forced to continue dealing with them.
- Winter: Adult fleas, larvae, and even eggs can survive cold temperatures as low as 30°F! That means that they rarely if ever completely die off, though their populations will decrease due to lack of resources.
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Flea and Tick Prevention Methods
The best way to prevent these tiny pests from becoming a big issue is regular yard maintenance.
- Keep grass trimmed. Fleas and ticks love the shade, so make sure to trim your grass if it grows above two to three inches high. This is more than enough shade for them.
- Don’t overwater. Fleas and ticks prefer moist environments, making an overwatered yard with poor drainage a veritable oasis for them.
- Use Cedar Mulch. The scent of cedar has been shown to effectively repel insects like fleas and ticks. Other scents that have shown success as a flea and tick repellant are peppermint and garlic.
- Create a Barrier Zone. If your property is directly next to a wooded or swampy area, you would do well to establish some form of barrier to reduce risk. Privacy fences keep pets and children from wandering into potential hotspots. Use of an herbal repellant along the perimeter of your property deters fleas and ticks from wandering in.
- Strategic Planting. When planning your landscape, consider planting a barrier line of plants. Basil, rosemary, lavender, and lemongrass are just a few of the plant options shown to be effective as a tick and flea repellant.
- Check Yourself and Your Pets. Ticks and fleas pose a significant threat to humans and our pets. Establishing a mudroom provides you with a safe space to check yourself and your pets without risking an infestation in your home. Be sure to check behind the ears, on the bellies, and between
the toes on the paws of your pets when they come inside.
These eco-friendly and natural options help keep your yard safe while also reducing the risk of harm to your young or furry family members.
Dealing with biting pests? Learn how our all-in-one service package can protect you from vector-borne illnesses!
Forest Pest Control, Your Partners in Flea and Tick Prevention
Fleas and ticks hide in your landscape, causing bites that can result in allergic reactions or even the spread of diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
The highly trained specialists with Forest Pest Control are dedicated to serving our Central Florida community with highly effective flea and tick treatments. We know how important it is that your yard remains an oasis for you and all of your family members. If you are in need of tick and flea extermination, suspect you may have an infestation, or simply seeking preventative options, don’t hesitate to call today!
Back to Tick & Flea ControlHow to Keep Ticks and Fleas out of Your Yard in Central Florida
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