Information About Fleas and Ticks

Colorado doesn't normally suffer from flea and tick problems like other warmer states do. However, this year seems to be different. We have been inundated with calls about flea infestations so here are some tips for you in dealing with them. Pets that are immune compromised are more susceptible to fleas. If your pet has fleas consider running an immune support supplement for a few months. Additionally, consider if your pet seems ill in any way you might want to have a checkup and blood panel done at your vet to rule out other health concerns.

Do you live by a green belt or other open space?
If so, your yard or nearest outdoor surrounding area's are likely a high traffic for wildlife. This includes rabbits, foxes, coyotes, skunks, squirrels, ground hogs etc. All of these animals are likely to carry fleas... and drop them in your yard. If you are dealing with a severe infestation you might have to talk to animal control about relocating some of these animals or treating local areas. Wildlife removal resources listed at the end.

How long do I have to look out for fleas if I treated my pet for them?

Depending on the severity of the infestation it could be up to 6 weeks of intensive treatment. Even if you've treated
your pet you probably haven't treated your yard, carpet, bed, etc.
Treating your pet:
There are many ways to treat your pet for flea and tick prevention and treatment. Many common products such as Frontline and Advantage have chemicals and side effects. More natural options include garlic supplements (1/4 tsp per 25lbs of pet per day) that make your pet taste bad to biting bugs, topical deterrent sprays and shampoo's (we have a long list of options), diatomaceous earth, Neem, and more. We are happy to help you find the right mix of products to use based on your lifestyle and daily activities. If you choose to treat your pet, house or yard with chemicals we also
have a variety of herbs, such as milk thistle, and other blends that assist in detoxifying your pet's liver.

Products we recommend include:
Topical – Endurapet flea spray, Dr. Harveys Protection blends, Azmira Neem Protect
Internal – Azmira Garlic, Azmira Giardia & Parasitic, Mushroom Matrix MRM
External – Azmira Para Clear
Detoxing – Azmira D’tox, Herbsmith Milk Thistle, Animals Apawthecary blends

Treating the outdoors:
In severe cases you need to treat your yard with diatomaceous earth (food grade if your pet spends
much time outside) every other day and/or every time it rains or gets watered. Contact Jeffco
wildlife nuisance assistance if necessary. Don't forget that groundhogs in Littleton are known to
carry the Bubonic Plague so treating for the fleas is very important. Contact your neighbors and
ask them to treat their yards for fleas also if you think wildlife gets into their yards.

Treating the indoors:
Keep your floors as clean as possible. First mop and use a carpet steam cleaner with vinegar and
citronella (or other deterrent) then treat the carpet, dog beds and any furniture that your pet lays
on with diatomaceous earth. Vacuum every day to every other day. The vibrations help pull up the
fleas and their larvae. It's very important to continue this religiously for 6 weeks to handle the
entire life cycle.

Wildlife http://jeffco.us/sheriff/sheriff_T62_R74.htm
Nuisance Wildlife Assistance

Colorado is known for its abundance of wildlife. While the presence of wildlife in your neighborhood may
delight some citizens, the proximity of so much wildlife to so many people sometimes causes problems.

> Avoiding coyote conflicts
Jefferson County Animal Control Officers are not authorized or trained to handle nuisance wildlife problems. However, there are many resources available -- nonprofit and for-profit -- to manage the problem. Below are just a few. Animal Control does not endorse any particular service/company, and strongly recommends that consumers check references, licenses, insurance, and bonding before hiring a company.

Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Office: 303-730-1920
Colorado State Division of Wildlife: 303-291-7227
Urban Wildlife Rescue: 303-340-4911
Animal Damage Control: 303-884-9100
Critter Control: 303-274-8837
Acorn Wildlife Control: 303-979-0900
Urban Wildlife Services: 303-588-1869
All American Wildlife Damage Specialist: 303-840-7743
A All Animal Control of Denver: 303-452-2113
EnviroCritter: 720-295-7378
Animal and Pest Control Specialist: 303-987-0842
AGD Varmint Control: 303-748-8879

Please check your telephone directory or Google "pest control" for additional resources.