Any pet owner knows the dreaded F word – fleas!
These nasty, blood-sucking pests feed on our beloved pets — and us. Regardless of whether you’re allergic or not, they can cause itching that nothing can seem to relieve. Besides that, they can cause a plethora of health risks, they’re notoriously hard to get rid of, and they know how to ruin a good time!
The first step in developing a plan to control fleas is to understand what they are, where they come from, and how they get into your house.
Where Do Fleas Come From?
Fleas are small insects that survive on the blood of humans and animals. They are often found in warm, humid environments, such as tall grasses, shrubs, and trees. They will thrive if these warm places also give them access to their favorite hosts, which makes high-trafficked areas, outside dog kennels, and wildlife habitats especially welcoming.
Where Do Fleas Live and Hide?
Unfortunately, fleas can live and hide in the same places you do. They can’t see very well, so they use other senses to detect when a potential host is nearby. Once they detect their host’s breaths, movements, or body heat, they move in, hitching a ride into your yard on the backs of urban wildlife, such as skunks, possums, raccoons, birds, and squirrels. As these animals move about your property, they periodically stop and scratch at the biting, irritating fleas. As a result, some fleas and their eggs will drop off the animal and fall into your yard.
As those fleas get settled in your space, your dog or cat wanders by, and the fleas jump aboard, ready to feed. Since they can live without a blood meal from a host animal for as long as three months, fleas remain a threat even when not on your pet.
Once they get a ride into your home, they wreak havoc due to their rapid breeding until you can finally tame the infestation. Just like your inviting outside yard, the inside of your home has plenty of welcoming places for fleas to live and hide, too.
So, where do fleas hide inside your home? Anywhere they can! Warm, dark places like cracks in your flooring, pet bedding, or carpet provide a great place for fleas to live while waiting for their next host. Since they reproduce quickly, a few fleas can turn into a big problem in no time. Understanding how to rid your home of fleas is important for any pet owner to know.
The Dangers Fleas Pose to Pets and Humans
The flea’s quick reproduction cycle isn’t the only problem these pesky biters pose to humans and pets. They also carry dangerous diseases such as plague, cat scratch disease, or flea-borne typhus. If your pup should happen to accidentally eat a flea, it also puts them at risk for tapeworms.
More commonly, flea bites are just incredibly irritating. Most humans and pets won’t be able to resist scratching at these itchy bites, which can lead to skin infections or even dermatitis.
When a flea bites you, it leaves a bump that can quickly turn into large, itchy welts demanding to be scratched. The more scratching you do, the more likely you are to introduce a secondary infection. Learning how to rid your home of fleas will help protect you from unwanted itches and infections.
How to Keep Fleas Away from Your Home
Now that you know where fleas come from and why they are a problem to humans and pets, it’s time to learn how to combat these unwanted insects. Since it is vastly easier to prevent a flea infestation than to get rid of one, let’s talk about how you can make your space unwelcome from the start.
Luckily, there are several ways to control the flea population before it gets out of hand. Some of these methods include:
- Treat all pets in the family with a monthly topical flea control.
- Regularly groom your pet with a flea comb.
- Discourage wildlife from entering your yard.
- Pick up fallen fruits and vegetables.
- Don’t feed your pets outdoors.
- Secure garbage cans.
- Block access under decks.
- Repair any fencing.
- Keep the grass trimmed short, weed frequently, and pick up debris.
- Don’t overwater the lawn or garden.
- Fix leaky faucets and irrigation.
- Clean up spilled birdseed.
- Consider hiring a professional flea control service for your yard in the summer.
If you have a flea infestation, you’re in for a tough battle, but with the right tools and assistance, you can win! In addition to the steps above, take these actions:
- For severe infestations, steam clean the carpets, rugs, and upholstery first.
- Vacuum all the flooring in the entire house daily, paying particular attention to places where your pet sleeps. Empty the vacuum daily into a plastic bag and discard it in the trash.
- Wash all the bedding in the house frequently using hot, soapy water.
- Bathe each pet using a flea shampoo, then apply topical flea treatment.
- Hire professional flea control. Reputable companies like Mosquito Joe® will effectively handle your flea problem outdoors.
Flea Control Solutions by Mosquito Joe
Now that you know where fleas hide, it’s time to call in the pros to kick them out! Your local Mosquito Joe® knows exactly how to make your yard welcoming and comfortable for you but unwelcome for these little critters.
We’re so sure you’ll be pleased with our work that we back our services with the Neighborly Done Right Promise® and our Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee. We’re dedicated to getting rid of your fleas so you and your pets can relax in peace.
Request a free quote today. Let’s keep your property flea-free together.
This article is intended for general guidance only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property and your situation. Mosquito Joe is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of any advice or guidance derived from blog content. For the most accurate guidance, contact an independently owned and operated Mosquito Joe for more information and a professional on-site assessment.
