Flea Control: Why You Should Take These Little Pests Seriously
October 9, 2018
The high humidity and temperatures in the summer aren’t only perfect for sipping iced tea on your porch, but also makes the perfect environment for one of nature’s most annoying pests, the flea. Proper flea control methods can save you and your furry friends months of pain and scratching.
Where They Live
Fleas can live in almost any area without direct sunlight. Under the porch, under the deck, in tall grass, under trees, these are all potential hot spots for fleas. Fleas get into your house by latching on to your cat or dog while they are outside. As soon as the flea settles into its new home it begins to lay eggs. A female flea, in her six-month lifespan, can lay as many as 2,000 eggs! Proper flea control can save you a lot of work and can prevent a host of problems.
Dangers
Fleas are not only a pain for pets, they can also carry diseases which can affect both pets and pet owners.
Tapeworms
Dogs and cats can ingest infected fleas when they are grooming or picking. These fleas can also fall on the floor and can infect infants and children.
Allergies
Flea saliva and feces can cause lesions and rashes on the skin that can lead to fur loss in animals.
Murine Typhus
Found in rats, the infected fleas can come into contact with cats and dogs who in turn bring them into the house. Symptoms include body aches, fever, and nausea.
Ways To Prevent:
Take the necessary precautions to protect your pets and family from flea infestation both inside and outside.
Inside Flea Control
Flea Medicine: If your pet already has fleas then investing in flea medicine and flea collars are your best bet. Most flea medications can last up to a month and must be reapplied.
Flea Brush: Use a flea brush to brush out eggs, pupae, and fleas.
Vacuum: vacuum regularly to pick up stray fleas lingering in your carpet or eggs that have been scratched off. Eggs in the carpet will eventually hatch and get onto your couches and into your bed!
Outside Flea Control
Battling fleas on the frontlines in your yard may be a daunting task, it never hurts to ask for help. Calling in a professional service like Superior Pest Defense to spray your yard is an excellent way to eliminate fleas and ticks without harming beneficial insects like bumblebees and butterflies. The spray is safe for humans and pets as well!
In our next article, we’ll be tackling mosquito control!
