Pet Owner Monthly Flea & Tick Prevention Checklist

Comb your pet's entire coat with a fine-toothed flea comb — focus on behind the ears, neck, belly, and tail base; place any black specks on a damp tissue, if they turn reddish-brown it is flea dirt

Wash pet bedding and blankets in 60°C+ hot water and dry on high heat for at least 30 minutes — high heat is the most effective method to kill fleas at all life stages (eggs, larvae, pupae, adults)

Vacuum the entire house thoroughly — focus on carpets, sofa crevices, baseboard edges, and areas where pets rest; vacuuming mechanically removes over 50% of flea eggs and larvae

Immediately seal the vacuum bag tightly and dispose of it in an outdoor trash bin — flea eggs can hatch inside the bag and crawl back out

Watch for excessive scratching, licking, or biting by your pet — flea bites are concentrated on the lower back and tail base areas; look for reddened skin or black specks

Apply veterinarian-recommended flea/tick prevention medication on schedule every month — use the correct dosage based on your pet's exact body weight

Keep lawn grass mowed short (below 8cm) and remove leaf litter and weeds — ticks thrive in tall grass and damp leaf litter

Check that door sweeps and window screens are intact — prevents stray cats/dogs or wildlife from bringing fleas into your yard

Store opened pet food in airtight containers — prevents stored product pests and avoids attracting rodents

If significant adult fleas are visible (tiny black jumping insects on your pet), use a product containing an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR) — IGR blocks larvae from molting and eggs from hatching, is non-toxic to people and pets, and breaks the flea life cycle