Flea and tick tips to keep your yard in good order this fall.

As the fall flea season begins to get underway, your dog will be susceptible to many outdoor parasites in the coming months and there are plenty of preparations you should make to ensure his overall well-being. This is the time of year when flea and tick prevention is a major concern, as these insects are looking for one last meal before the winter frost hits. Before you start raking leaves and taking care of your fall chores, take the following anti-parasite tips to heart to protect your dog this season.

1. Clean up your yard. Before the leaves start to fall, make an effort to use a weed whacker and clear away any long grasses or brush where fleas and ticks could be present. Ticks prefer long grasses where they can sit and attach themselves as hosts go by, and flea eggs can be found in everything from animal feces to leaves, so make an effort to clean up as much of your yard as possible in the early fall.

2. Treat your yard. Once your yard is to your liking, it may be wise to treat your yards against the very insects you're trying to prevent. Hartz® UltraGuard® Yard & Kennel Spray is a great choice for any dog owner and attaches directly to your hose and will treat an area up to 8,000 square feet. This will kill fleas and ticks at any stage of their life cycle and keep them from coming back throughout the season. Use it in areas where your dog spends the majority of his time, and pay special attention to the treeline around your yard to remove any of the parasites that might be present.

3. Mosquitoes. Last but not least, take a good look around your property to remove any buckets or other vessels which may have standing water. Mosquito bites can be especially hazardous for your dog, as they can transmit heartworm, West Nile virus and other maladies which could cause lasting health problems. Remove any of these containers that may be breeding grounds for these insects to keep your dog and your family protected all season long.

The fall flea season is right around the corner, so make sure your dog has a safe place to roam this year by utilizing these safe practices and fine Hartz products.

This content is provided by the pet wellness experts at Hartz. We offer complete flea and tick protection for your pet, home and yard.