Itching for Answers: Your Guide to Flea Prevention
Maybe you’ve noticed your beloved pets scratching a bit more than usual. Or, perhaps you’re suddenly finding tiny dark specks, resembling dirt, in your bedsheets. The next thing you know, the itching begins. Before long, the evidence is undeniable – you’ve got a flea infestation.
Flea infestations are more than just a nuisance. Not only can fleas cause itching and irritation with their bites, but they can also spread diseases and other parasites to you or your pets.
In this article, we’ll explore what fleas are, where they come from, and how to prevent them from taking over your home.
What are Fleas?
Fleas are tiny, wingless parasites that feed off of the blood of mammals – including your pets, wild animals, and even you. Though small, they’re built for survival and can jump incredible distances thanks to their powerful hind legs.
You can identify fleas based on the following characteristics:
- An oval shaped body
- Light to dark brown coloration
- A disproportionately small head
- Their large hind legs
- “Flea dirt” left behind; small dark brown specks of flea feces resembling dirt
- Their eggs, which are tiny white ovals
Where do Fleas Come From?
Fleas typically find their way into homes from outside sources, hitching rides on animals or infesting yards before making their way indoors. Common flea carriers include:
- Wild animals (raccoons, possums, skunks, etc)
- Stray cats or dogs
- Rodents (rats or mice)
If you suspect a wild animal has found their way onto your property, Angel Pest Control provides trapping services for animals such as skunks and possums. Stray pets, such as cats or dogs, should be reported to your local municipal animal control office.
Once fleas have invaded your home and yard, they are most often found hiding in areas like:
- Tall grass, bushes, or shady yard areas
- In your pet’s fur
- Bedding
- Carpet, upholstery, or rugs
- Cracks in flooring or furniture seams
Flea Prevention Tips
Prevention is key when it comes to keeping fleas off your pets and out of your home.
- Protect your pets
- Bathe and brush regularly
- Limit the amount of time your pet spends outdoors
- Talk with your veterinarian about flea control products
- Maintain your lawn
- Keep grass trimmed short
- Expose your yard to sunlight (fleas hate it!)
- Avoid overwatering, as fleas thrive in humid, damp conditions
- Deter wildlife and rodents
- Properly store food and pet food
- Remove clutter and debris from outside your home
- Seal holes used for access to your home
- Clean regularly
- Keep bedding washed, especially pet bedding
- Vacuum and sweep often to eliminate flea eggs, targeting carpet, rugs, cushions, and sofas
- Dispose of vacuum contents outside promptly
Still have fleas? We’re here to help.
If you have implemented all of these preventative measures and still find yourself in the middle of a flea infestation, reach out to your local professionals. At Angel Pest Control, we have been battling parasites like fleas since 1987.
We offer:
- One time flea treatments for inside or outside
- The Outdoor Halo – a seasonal monthly yard spray targeting fire ants, mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks, keeping you flea-free all spring and summer long.
- Learn more here!
Call Angel Pest Control today at (830) 379-3277 to learn more about our flea treatment services and reclaim your peace of mind.
