IN YOUR LAWN
HOW TO CONTROL
FLEAS AND TICKS
Fleas and ticks are among the most
detested pests since they can spread
diseases to both humans and their
furry companions.
They also tend to spread rapidly,
and you could be facing an infestation
that you bring home from the dog
park or a hike.
Keeping them out of your lawn keeps
them off your pet and out of the house.
These tips are all perfect for handling
one of the most preventable threats
to your pet’s health.
TRIM THE GRASS
TO THE RIGHT HEIGHT
Grass that gets too tall gives fleas
and ticks an ideal hiding place.
The right height for your grass will
depend upon the type you have
growing on your lawn.
Usually, this falls within a range
of 1½ -2” for the most common
Arizona grass types.
You’ll also want to follow the general
rule of only mowing the top third of
the grass to avoid harming your lawn.
REMOVE LEAVES
AND DEBRIS
Tall grass is just one of many hiding
places fleas and ticks will use to lay
their eggs.
They may also set their home
up beneath leaf piles or fallen branches.
If you’ve been doing some handiwork,
store building materials such as stones
and lumber in a shed or garage so that
they don’t become a refuge for pests.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR
PET’S FAVORITE SPOTS
If your pet loves a special corner
of your lawn or tends to lounge in the
shade of a certain tree, then you can
bet that fleas love the space, too.
Pet pests tend to hang out within
a 50-foot radius of your dog or cat’s
favorite spot.
Inspect this area regularly for signs
of pest activity, such as larva
or jumping fleas.
Although the whole lawn will still need
treatment, you’ll spot an infestation
earlier by checking there.
SPRAY THE FLEAS AWAY
Pet owners sometimes shy away from
using pesticides, but they are the most
effective way to get rid of the problem.
We use animal-safe pest treatments,
and we take additional steps to protect
your furry friends.
We might ask you to keep your pet
inside until the spray dries, or to
remove your pet’s food and water
bowls along with their toys, so that
they don’t get hit by any overspray.
LET THE SUNLIGHT
REACH THE GROUND
Like many insects, those that prey
on pets prefer dark places where they
feel safer.
If you have large trees with overgrown
canopies, pruning them can allow
more sunlight to reach the grass.
Trees that have overly rapid growth
may need special treatment to
prevent them from blocking the sun.
ADDRESS OTHER
PEST PROBLEMS
Your sweet pet might not be the
one to blame for bringing home
unwanted insects.
Rats and mice are common carriers
of these parasites.
Check for and close up any holes
or cracks around your house.
Then, eliminate common nesting
sites outdoors to make your yard
less attractive to flea-carrying
wildlife.
Fleas and ticks are a year-round
concern in Arizona.
While you might not see as many
of them in the winter, it is important
not to get overly complacent.
If you spot your favorite pet scratching
frequently, or think you see an insect,
be sure to check it out.
Treating even a minor infestation will
stop it from spreading and protect your
pet from developing a related
condition, such as anemia
or allergic dermatitis.
Custom Weed & Pest Control
has been in business since 1989,
serving the greater Phoenix
metro area for both residential
and commercial.
We offer natural and chemical
weed control, with customized
service to meet your specific needs.