Of course, most pet owners are aware of the dangers of potential flea infestation. However, home and business owners who don’t have pets might not be aware they’re still open to infestation. Naturally, those with pets are more likely to wind up with a breeding population of fleas on their property – especially if they don’t use any flea control for their animals. However, those who treat their pets or don’t have any aren’t off the hook, even if they are less likely to become infested. Below, we’ll talk about how you get fleas, how you know you have them, and what to do about them.
How To Tell If It’s Fleas
Flea bites can be tough to distinguish from a lot of other different bites. It can be especially tough to tell flea bites from bed bug bites because you can get them both indoors. That’s why it’s very common for homeowners to confuse bed bug infestations with flea infestations. However, there are a couple of ways to tell flea bites and bed bug bites apart.
First, bed bug bites tend to cluster in lines where your body contacts the bed. So, for example, if you’re a side sleeper, your bites will all be on the side you lie on during sleep. Flea bites can be all over your body, but they’ll be especially prevalent on your lower legs and feet.
Second, you can tell what kind of bites you have by actually looking for the culprit. Contrary to popular belief, both fleas and bed bugs are visible. A flea can look like a tiny black dot from a distance. Up close, you’ll see an oval-shaped insect with long, powerful back legs. Fleas’ agility distinguishes them from bed bugs. While bed bugs can’t do much more than slowly crawl, fleas can leap 200 times their body length.
The Dangers Of Fleas In The Home
Fleas are not the pest you want in your home. Though rare, they can spread diseases such as plague, tularemia, and cat-scratch fever to humans. A flea infestation can also spread diseases and parasites to your pets. Untreated pets may also experience behavioral or psychological issues due to the constant itching and irritation caused by having fleas living in their fur. Flea allergies are also a problem. Those with a severe flea allergy can experience hives, rash, and even serious symptoms like difficulty breathing and chest pain from just one bite.
Why Fleas Come Into Homes
Fleas come into your home to feed on you and your pets. Fleas can’t eat anything other than blood. They often infest wildlife, nesting in the fur of animals like rats, opossums, and more. When wildlife invades your property, fleas see an opportunity to expand their horizons by feeding on your pets and you.
How To Get Rid Of Fleas And Keep Them Out
Flea prevention is the most vital step in your flea control plan. If you have pets, the most important thing you can do to avoid a flea infestation is to keep them on flea preventative medicines. Keeping wildlife off your property is another excellent way to avoid getting a flea infestation. Make sure you’re sealing off all potential access points in your home’s exterior and covering up potential attractants like pet foods and garbage cans.
If you wind up with a breeding population of fleas on your property, there’s only one thing to do: call us here at Innovative Pest Solutions. Our safe and effective flea control methods can ensure your flea infestation is eliminated and stays gone for good!
