4 Super tips to help you tackle ticks and fleas in your garden

Dogs and cats that spend most of their time outdoors are at high risk of picking up ticks and fleas. Luckily these handy tips from animal health specialists Merial South Africa will help you control these pests in your garden

If your pets spend a lot of time outside you’ve probably gone to great lengths to control the fleas and ticks your furry friends unwittingly bring home. Frequent vacuuming, regular washing of your pets bedding above 60°C and leaving it out in the sun for a few hours will go a long way to reduce the burden of these parasites.

1. The most effective and affordable way to control ticks and fleas in the garden is to identify their favourite hangouts and keep these areas tick and flea free. These parasites prefer slightly humid areas that are protected from harsh sunlight. Start by cleaning your dog’s house, sleeping and feeding areas.
2. Also ensure that your garden is free from debris and leaves and that the areas around patios, under decks and under lawn furniture are kept clean.
3. Keep ticks from climbing and grabbing onto a passing pet or loved one by keeping the grass cut and trees and shrubs trimmed.
4. As it is not possible to eradicate all ticks and fleas in the garden, continue to treat your pets proactively with regular monthly use of a proven tick and flea product that effectively kills fleas in all three stages of their life cycle – eggs, larvae and adults – providing effective protection over a sustained period of time. If your pet loves swimming you could ask your vet for a tick and flea product that is water-tolerant.

“It is highly important as pet owners to check your pet’s body weight before applying a tick and flea product, more importantly to follow the registered guidelines that appears on the packaging inserts. If you are unsure, speak to your veterinarian about the effective application of flea and tick protection,” says Marianna Rossouw, Head of Companion Animal Business Unit: Merial South Africa.