Flea & Tick Control

Fleas and Ticks Are Both Harmful to Humans

These two types of insect pests will often hitch a ride into your home on a pet who spends time outdoors, but family members walking through grassy or landscaped areas in the evening can unintentionally bring them inside, too. It is a good idea to learn how to identify, treat, and prevent fleas and ticks, because both of these tiny pests can carry blood-borne diseases that can be dangerous to cats, dogs, and humans.

During peak flea and tick season--through the summer and into the fall--make it a practice to keep an eye out for these pests. Our selection of Flea & Tick control products listed above can help keep your family and pets safe year-round. Learn the differences between fleas and ticks.

Protect Your Pets from Fleas and Ticks

Both ticks and fleas most often find their way into your home on a pet that spends time outside. Consider our selection of Pet Flea Control products to boost their defense against both of these unwanted pests.

How Do Fleas and Ticks Move Around?

Fleas, smaller and lighter than ticks, are surprising jumpers that use strong legs to launch themselves up to 13 inches away with a single hop. While this does give them significant mobility, fleas most often make their way into a home by catching a ride on a house pet or by landing on a family member's clothing as they walk through a wooded area or perform yard work in areas with heavy foliage.

Ticks spend most of their time in wooded areas or among dense undergrowth waiting for a potential host to come near enough for them to catch a ride and begin feeding. It is a smart practice to check your own body and that of your pets after time spent outdoors--especially in the evening during flea and tick season. Learn more about how to check your home for ticks with our guide.

Where Do Fleas and Ticks Live?

Both fleas and ticks prefer to hide out in cool, damp, shady areas of a lawn or wooded area. Shrubs or low-growing plants are some places they can often be found. If your lawn is covered with excess thatch or mulch, consider thinning it out as much as possible to remove these potential habitats for fleas, ticks, and other insect pests. Learn how to tell if you have fleas around your home with our guide.

How to Eliminate Fleas and Ticks around Your Home

1) Treat your lawn with an insecticide labeled for outdoor tick and flea control such as Talstar Xtra Granules.

2) Monitor your pets' coats if they spend time outdoors and find a flea and tick treatment that works for their needs.

3) Clean inside your home anywhere fleas (most likely) or ticks (less likely) could be hiding. They often make a home in carpets and vacuuming that area will eliminate fleas and ticks in any stage of life that may be there already—from eggs to adults.

4) Apply a pyrethroid flea and tick killer spray in areas where fleas have been sighted or are suspected. Follow labeled instructions for indoor flea and tick control closely. These products are your best pick for killing fleas and ticks fast.