Fleas and ticks are parasites that live on dogs and cats and can cause serious health issues in both animals and humans. So, taking steps to prevent an infestation is important, as getting rid of fleas can take weeks or months. You should regularly check your pets and home for any kind of pests. If you detect any, timely flea and tick treatment can help relieve itching, discomfort, and irritation in pets.

Ways to control fleas and ticks
You can find a variety of flea and tick treatment products designed for managing an infestation. The top options are:

Use spot-on treatment: Topical products to fight infestations, like liquid insecticides, should be applied all over the pet’s skin. The active ingredient of these products is always a neurotoxin that can kill the pests. These chemicals disrupt the life cycle of fleas and ticks. You can find spot-on products of varying strengths.

Buy a flea and tick collar: The collars provide long-lasting protection from fleas and ticks. The collars contain insecticides to repel insects, and the chemicals coat the fur of the pets.

Use shampoo, powders, and sprays: You can immediately control infestation by bathing your pet with flea and tick shampoo that kills fleas and ticks and their eggs. You can use prescribed powders and sprays, too, dusting or rubbing the product into the pet’s fur. However, the effectiveness of sprays and powders will only last as long as the pet fur stays dry.

Use dips: Flea and tick dips contain a chemical called pyrethrin that can kill these insects. You can either let your pet soak in a diluted dip solution or use a sponge to apply it over the body.

Buy indoor and garden sprays: Fleas and ticks can enter the home through your pets. Indoor sprays are a relatively inexpensive method for controlling the growth of parasites. The product can kill the pests and their eggs. The pests can also hide among the long grass and under the leaf piles. Garden sprays do a good job of minimizing insects in your yard.

Some natural or chemical-free flea and tick treatment options are:

• Vacuuming the whole house
• Cleaning your pet’s favorite spots around the home with soap and hot water
• Using a flea comb to remove the parasites from the pet’s fur

Cost
The cost of flea and tick treatment is determined by the following factors:

Size and type of area: Professional exterminators quote their charges based on the size of the area that has been infested. If the treatment area is large, it will require more chemicals, and the cost will be higher. Further, an apartment may not require much time or effort to get rid of fleas. But gardens or yards with lots of trees and hiding spots can cost more.

Severity: The number of treatments required also determines the final cost. Minor infestations may need only a one-time treatment, but severe cases may require multiple applications.

The cost typically ranges between $50 to $150 for a small area. A larger space may cost between $160 to $450.

Before choosing a flea or tick product, consult your veterinarian to understand suitable options based on the age, health, and breed of your pet. Also, if you live in a region prone to such infestations, getting professional flea and tick treatment may help prevent future infestations.