Bugs Incorporated, the Katy-based service company we featured in this blog last week, loves helping DIYers tackle household pests using easy-to-find, off-the-shelf products. If fleas and ticks are invading your yard, follow their simple and effective approach to get them under control. If you try this and it doesn’t resolve your pest issue, contact Bugs Incorporated for $25 off your first service with the mention of this blog. They are equipped to get more significant infestations under control when a DIY approach doesn’t cut it. Here’s DIY flea & tick control from Katy’s Bugs Incorporated:
Step 1: Mow & Clear Debris
Fleas and ticks thrive in tall grass and shaded areas. Keep your lawn trimmed and remove leaf litter, wood piles, and excessive mulch where they like to hide.
Mow the lawn before treating so that the chemicals reach deep into your grass.
Step 2: Apply an Insecticide – Liquid or Granular?
There are two main options for treating your yard: liquid spray insecticides and granular insecticides. Each has its pros and cons:
Liquid Insecticides (e.g., bifenthrin, permethrin, or cypermethrin)
✅ Provides immediate knockdown of adult fleas and ticks
✅ Penetrates deep into shaded areas and underbrush
❌ Requires a sprayer for application
❌ Can wash away in heavy rain if not allowed to dry
Granular Insecticides (e.g., permethrin-based granules)
✅ Longer residual effect, slowly releasing into the soil
✅ Easier to apply using a broadcast spreader
❌ Requires watering in after application for activation
❌ Takes a bit longer to start working compared to liquid
For best results, apply liquid insecticides in areas with heavy flea and tick activity (shady spots, under decks, fence lines) and use granular insecticides for broader coverage on lawns and landscaped areas.
Step 3: Use an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR)
Mix an IGR like methoprene or pyriproxyfen with your liquid treatment to stop flea eggs and larvae from developing into biting adults.
Step 4: Water It In
If using granular insecticides, lightly water your yard to activate the treatment and help it reach pests below the surface.
Step 5: Repeat as Needed
For lasting control, reapply every 4–6 weeks, especially during peak flea and tick season.
Important Safety Considerations
Because many of our clients have kids and – obviously – pets, I want to add a few thoughts on safety considerations for DIY pest control. Because prevention is a top value at Animal Admiration, I would be remiss if I didn’t remind you of the following:
Read Labels & Follow Directions
While some believe that reading instructions and following directions is overrated, pest control is not a time when you want to go it alone. Because pest control carries greater risk than, say, putting together a piece of Ikea furniture, I urge you to read the labels carefully and follow instructions to the letter. We often don’t know what we don’t know and can harm ourselves, our families, and our yard including trees, grass, and greenery, if we fail to following directions.
Consider wearing gloves and eye protection, even if the instructions don’t call for them! It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Keep Pets and Kids Inside While & After Treating the Yard
When you read the labels, you’ll see that many of the products listed above have a drying or wait time that keeps us safe from chemical burns, respiratory issues, etc. Please keep your beloved humans and pets away from the treated areas as long as required – if not longer.
Remember to close all windows and doors to ensure the chemicals don’t reach your family inside. And, move your backyard flocks from the areas being sprayed.
Consider Area Wildlife
If you’re an avid wild bird watcher and feeder like I am, remove all bird houses and feeders before you treat your yard. You don’t want to spray the feed or bird-friendly areas and harm the birds in our ecosystem. Please be proactive and remove all items that can be accessed by your pets and wildlife including outdoor water bowls and bird baths.
If you live in an area that has community cats, – aka feral cats or strays – please take extra precautions and spray when they are not around.
Practice Caution When Treating Indoors
While I’m a huge fan of DIY, I like to practice extra caution when treating for pests indoors. The above recommendations are for outdoor treatments. If you have pests inside, contact Bugs Incorporated to discuss next steps. Please don’t spray your home with toxic chemicals because these can affect your pet’s short-term and long-term health. They can also exacerbate asthma and other respiratory issues across all species. In my opinion, it’s best to leave indoor pest control to the professionals!
Call in Help if DIY Doesn’t Work
For tougher infestations or professional assistance, Bugs Incorporated is always here to help! Whether you DIY or call in the pros, it’s important to ensure your yard stays pest-free. Don’t be afraid to call in the big guns when needed!
The Best Care for Pets in Katy, West Houston, Richmond, Fulshear, Cypress & Beyond
As I said in last week’s blog about outdoor pest control, at Animal Admiration Pet Care we believe that prevention is a key pet care tactic. Whether it’s caring for my home and pets or yours, I always prioritize prevention. I encourage you to do the same by engaging a pest control company like Bugs Incorporated to help you manage your home’s pests and keep your pets safe from pest-borne diseases. If you mention this blog, Bugs Incorporated will take $25 off your first service. Give them a call to get a quote!
We offer midday dog walking visits and cat sitting visits to get your dogs and cats moving and keep them healthy and engaged. You don’t have to schedule daily, even adding a couple walks and play sessions a week will have a very positive impact in your pet’s life and longevity. Count on us to get your pet the exercise and enrichment they need while you manage your busy schedule!
New clients, please contact us at info@animaladmiration.com or (281) 391-1015 to learn about our in-home pet care services. Our team of outstanding cat care providers offers quality care dog sitting, cat sitting, and dog walking in Katy, Fulshear, Richmond, Energy Corridor, Memorial, West Houston, and Cypress.
Existing clients schedule your pet care visits here.
