Parasites come in many forms. They can be worms, insects, neighbors- all kinds exist! Among the most common of household parasites? Fleas and ticks. Disdain and contempt build in a person at the slightest mention of either. Some prefer to wait until they are face to face with a flea or tick infestation before attempting to do anything about. A much better policy? Prevention.
There are many steps homeowners can take to make sure their home doesn’t become a breeding ground for fleas or ticks. Some are less orthodox than others. There is one universal factor that binds these preventive methods together- something must be done. Ticks and fleas carry a variety of diseases- some deadly. If you don’t like the flavor of Lyme Disease, please observe one or two of these techniques.
Among the most controversial, but effective methods is the ‘roach treatment’. Unfortunately, it is exactly what it sounds like- that’s no code name. By looking the other way and allowing something of a roach population to exist in your home, you contribute to the destruction of the flea egg population.
Along with your bread crumbs and lost Cheetos, a roach’s diet includes roach eggs. A homeowner can extend a background control of flea breeding by putting up with a small colony of roaches in their home. The problem? Roaches are neither the most popular, nor the cleanest themselves in the animal kingdom.
During the warmer seasons, it is imperative that you and the rest of your family conform to concealing footwear when venturing outside. Trekking through the outside world barefoot or without feet entirely covered can result in picking up unwanted travel companions- ticks, as well as their buddy, Lyme Disease. For those unwilling to grab a pair of sneaks, at least avoid overgrown areas or otherwise tall grass.
If going camping, on a picnic, or otherwise in the wilderness- this is imperative. Another measure to take to avoid picking up ticks is to not lie down on the grass itself. A tick can attach itself to a nearby, stray arm or leg quicker than you can say ‘babesiosis’. Wearing protective clothing and avoiding contact with unfamiliar or concealed ground is a necessity for prevention.
For pet owners, the possibility of a flea or tick infestation is uncomfortably high. The best step to take is to purchase a high quality flea collar. Cheaper flea collars, in my experience, do not seem effective enough to warrant forgoing a more respected name. Along with a flea collar, a flea & tick bath with a Frontline care product would be wise decisions. Other methods include the use of flea & tick repellents on yourself, pouring vinegar outside your home (which also repels ants!), and keeping your pets primarily outside. Follow these steps and you will minimize the likelihood of meeting not only these parasites, but the sicknesses they carry.
