Fleas are irritating pests that plague dogs and cats—and also humans. While they are common pests, many Jacksonville residents don't really know all that much about them. Yes, really. For example, do you know that baby fleas don't spring through the air and that they are unable to bite you? Yup. Baby fleas aren't insects, and they don't bite. They're tiny worms. Facts like this can lead to discouraging results when you attempt to control fleas because it is easy to mistake the results you're seeing. There are also many misconceptions about how harmful fleas can be. Do you know that there are severe flea diseases that impact human health? Do you know that a flea can bite your pet, your pet can lick your eye, and you can lose sight in your eye?! It is extremely rare, but it happens. Do you know that DIY flea pest control starts by controlling wildlife in your yard? It is not commonly understood, but animals bring fleas into Jacksonville yards. When you take steps to deter animal activity, you reduce flea populations near your home. Join us today as we break down the most important facts you should know about fleas. We'll tell you how you get fleas, how fleas present a threat to your family's health, what to do about fleas inside your home, and how to keep fleas away for good.
Are you currently dealing with a flea infestation in your home? Have you tried to get rid of them only to have them continue to plague you? If so, keep in mind that B&T Pest Control offers professional flea pest control in Jacksonville. We can help you get relief from those frustrating pests. Jump to our contact page for assistance.
Why Do I Have Fleas In My Home?
Fleas get into Jacksonville homes for many reasons. In most cases, a flea infestation begins with wildlife. When animals come into your yard, they drop flea eggs and flea dirt. Together, these create the conditions for flea development. If you have a dog or cat, it is likely your pet picked adult fleas up while out in your yard and brought them inside. If you don't have a dog or cat, a wild animal could have brought them in. Rats and mice commonly bring fleas into Jacksonville homes. You can also get fleas from squirrels and other wildlife pests that get into attics. But this progression isn't the only way to get fleas. Here are a few more to consider:
- You could have purchased used furniture that had fleas in it. Fleas lay their eggs in many items. Couches are a notorious breeding site for fleas.
- You could have picked up flea eggs when you stayed in a hotel or motel that allows pets, and even the ones that don't allow pets. Sometimes guests sneak their pets in.
- You can get fleas when a friend visits and brings their dog or cat along for the visit.
- A home that doesn't have a year-round pest control service plan is more at risk for flea infestation. Routine exterior treatments reduce flea populations and prevent your dog or cat from picking fleas up. A service plan can also include the management of rats and mice and will prevent those rodents from bringing fleas into your home.
These are the reasons why Jacksonville homes get fleas. If you're currently dealing with a flea infestation, it is essential to understand the threat these insects present. Sure, they bite. And flea bites are often itchy and irritating. But there are other ways they can impact your health.
Fleas Are A Health Hazard To Both People And Pets
If you have a dog or cat, you know that fleas are a concern. There are hundreds of products available to help people guard their furry family members against fleas. There is a good reason to guard your pets. Fleas can make your pets sick in many ways.
Dogs: Your dog can get flea allergy dermatitis, which can lead to hair loss, skin infections, and open wounds. Your dog can swallow fleas and get tapeworms. Your dog could get sick from one of several Bartonella viruses. And it is important to understand that long-term exposure to a flea infestation can lead to anemia.
Cats: Your cat can get flea allergy dermatitis, murine typhus, cat scratch disease (a strain of Bartonella bacteria), other Bartonella viruses, or tapeworm. Prolonged exposure can lead to anemia.
If you're pets get sick, they may spread that sickness to you, depending on what they catch. Humans can contract typhus and Bartonellosis. Plus, when your pets get sick from fleas, you may not know it. They can be asymptomatic.
Fleas are so common, and flea diseases are somewhat rare, so most people don't consider the possibility of illness. But it is important to know that fleas can make you and your pets sick.
How Do I Get Rid Of Fleas In My House?
If you seek advice online, you'll find a wide range of suggestions. Some tips work great. Some tips work if you know how to apply them. Some tips don't work at all. Some tips will have you running in circles. An example of a tip that can leave you exhausted and frustrated is to apply traps. There are several problems with using traps to address a flea infestation. First, it only attacks the symptom, which are the fleas springing around in your home and biting you. Second, when you see fleas in your traps, you think you're winning the battle when you actually aren't. Third, and lastly, traps are entirely incapable of removing fleas faster than the fleas can reproduce in your home. It doesn't matter what traps you use. So what works to control fleas? If you don't have training in pest control, we suggest the following:
- Get flea control products for your pets if you don't already have them. Speak with your veterinarian about what products are best for you, your pets, and your family. Your veterinarian will likely suggest collars, bath treatments, powders, or medication.
- Collect all of the pet bedding in your home and wash them in hot, soapy water.
- Collect items that your pets sleep on, other than their bedding. For example, the blanket on your bed or at the foot of your bed could have fleas if your pet sleeps on your bed.
- Vacuum your couch and living room chairs.
- Vacuum your rugs routinely until your flea infestation is corrected.
- Use a flea comb to check your pets routinely to see if fleas or flea dirt are still appearing.
If you catch a flea infestation early, these steps may arrest your infestation. They don't require specialized knowledge of fleas or flea control. When more is needed, consider professional assistance. Licensed professionals use trusted materials and apply them according to strict safety protocols. When your flea treatment has been addressed, you won't have to wonder if you're going to keep seeing fleas reappearing in your home.
A licensed pest control professional can also provide advice so you may prevent future infestations. You'll get tips that you can use to address fleas yourself, and also treatment ideas. Let's take a look at some of the flea control tips your pest professional may give you.
How Do I Prevent Fleas From Coming Back?
You have a lot of control over whether or not fleas will come into your yard and survive near your home. You also have control over how susceptible your pets are to picking fleas up. The following suggestions are ways to get rid of fleas in your yard and keep them off your pets.
- Block access to voids underneath exterior structures. How does this help? When an animal lays down, flea dirt and flea eggs land in the same spot. This allows the larvae that hatch to survive. Use hardware cloth to keep animals out.
- Keep your trash covered, your receptacles secured, and the exteriors as clean as possible. What does this do? It removes the smell of decaying food, which is a strong attractant for many animals.
- Move bird feeders far from your exterior. Why is this important? Seeds are a dietary staple for rodents of all shapes and sizes. It is also possible for birds to bring fleas into your yard.
- Make sure your pets have flea collars if they are appropriate for your pets. Collars don't provide complete protection, but they are definitely an important step you can take to keep fleas out.
- Address moisture problems, such as clogged gutters. Fleas have a better chance of surviving in humid or damp habitats. Make sure your gutters channel rainwater away from your home, keep your grass trimmed, and remove unnecessary vegetation from your landscaping.
Always keep in mind that a yard that has routine treatments is much more resistant to fleas. A year-round pest control service plan provides the greatest amount of protection possible. If you're in Jacksonville, contact us. B&T Pest Control provides smart and eco-friendly solutions for all your pest control needs. We can help!
What B&T Customers Are Saying
"I had Michel take care of my house probably two weeks ago and I am def happy with the results. I appreciated him listening to my concerns and addressing the problem, taking the time to explain things in detail so I would understand how the chemicals work and his overall professionalism and kindness. He did a great job and Id like to give credit where it is due. Thank you Michel."
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