If it feels like every bug in New Jersey is suddenly awake and aggressively looking for a warm body, you're not wrong. Late May launches the annual “parasite parade,” featuring fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, black flies, and the occasional mystery insect that instantly makes your dog regret sniffing that bush. It’s the busiest pest month until September, which means prevention isn’t optional — it’s essential.
Start with flea and tick protection. Dogs who visit trails, yards, and dog parks (including The Hungry Puppy’s FREE dog park) are prime targets. Cats who sunbathe in open windows or hang out on porches also need early-season protection. Goats, chickens, and horses encounter ticks along fence lines and wooded edges, so multi-species homes must stay extra vigilant.
Mosquitoes arrive right behind them. That means heartworm risk skyrockets for dogs and cats. Stagnant water in flowerpots, gutters, and water troughs becomes breeding territory overnight. Dump and refill outdoor water sources daily, including barn buckets.
Environmental control matters just as much. Keep grass trimmed, clear leaves, and reduce clutter where pests hide. Chickens help pick off ticks, sure — but they’re not a full pest-control plan. Use fans in barns to reduce flies, and consider fly traps or mesh barriers where appropriate.
Quick Tip: Run your hands through your pet’s fur daily during peak tick weeks. Checks after every walk drastically cut down risk.
If you need flea/tick preventatives, fly sprays, mosquito repellents, or pest-control tools for pets and farm animals, The Hungry Puppy has a huge selection — and our Personal Pet Consultant can help you pick the right product for your lifestyle.