How to Protect Your Pets From Fleas and Ticks This Summer

Red tick on the leaf

When summer heat hits the Central Valley, so do the pests—especially fleas and ticks. These tiny, biting parasites aren’t just a nuisance. They pose serious health risks to your pets, from skin infections and allergic reactions to more dangerous diseases like Lyme and tapeworms.

If you’re a pet owner, protecting your furry family members should be at the top of your summer to-do list.

The Dangers Fleas and Ticks Pose to Pets

Fleas and ticks thrive in warm, humid environments—exactly the conditions we experience during Central Valley summers. Once they latch onto your pet, they can cause a range of health issues:

  • Skin irritation: Itching, scratching, and hair loss are common symptoms of flea bites.
  • Infections and infestations: Flea infestations can escalate quickly and often require both pet treatment and home-wide pest control.
  • Disease transmission: Ticks are known carriers of serious illnesses like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
  • Allergic reactions: Some pets are allergic to flea saliva, which can lead to intense discomfort and secondary skin infections.

Ignoring these pests doesn’t just put your pet at risk—it can affect your whole household.

Why Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Waiting until you see fleas or ticks on your pets is too late. By the time you notice scratching or spot a bug, the problem may already be widespread. Proactive prevention is the only way to ensure your pet stays safe and your home stays pest-free.

Aside from the obvious discomfort, untreated flea and tick issues can lead to expensive vet visits, medications, and even long-term health problems for your pet. Prevention is faster, cheaper, and much more effective than dealing with a full-blown infestation.

Best Practices for Flea and Tick Prevention

So what can you do to keep your pets protected this summer? Start with these key practices:

  • Use vet-approved preventative treatments: Spot-on treatments, oral medications, and flea collars can all provide a layer of protection.
  • Groom regularly: Routine baths and brushing help you spot fleas or ticks early and keep your pet’s coat clean.
  • Check after walks or outdoor play: Especially after hiking or time in grassy areas, check your pet’s ears, neck, belly, and tail for signs of ticks.
  • Clean bedding and living spaces: Wash pet bedding regularly and vacuum carpets and furniture to remove eggs or larvae.
  • Schedule professional pest control: Even the cleanest homes can become breeding grounds for fleas and ticks. A pet-safe pest control plan adds extra protection where DIY efforts fall short.

Safe, Pet-Friendly Pest Control in the Central Valley

At RidX Pest Control, we know your pets are family. That’s why we offer safe, targeted flea and tick treatments that protect your home without putting your pets at risk. Our expert technicians understand the pest pressures in the Central Valley and use products that are both effective and pet-friendly.

We don’t just treat the problem—we help you prevent it from coming back.

Protect your pets this summer with a custom flea and tick prevention plan from RidX. Contact us today to schedule your pet-safe pest control service.