As temperatures rise, so do the number of fleas near Raleigh, North Carolina. These tiny, oval-shaped critters may look harmless, but they’re actually blood-feeding parasites, and they can cause a plethora of problems for you or your pets, including:
- Flea Allergy Dermatitis: If your pet is allergic to the flea’s saliva, they may scratch at the bites until they swell and become infected, or they even begin losing hair.
- Tapeworms: Accidentally swallowing a flea puts your pet at an increased risk for developing tapeworms.
- Anemia: Because they suck blood, enough biting fleas can actually lead to anemia in your pet, which comes with symptoms like lethargy, pale gums, and other medical complications.
- Bartonella Infection: Also called cat scratch fever, Bartonella infection happens when a dog or cat suffers a bite from a flea that carries the parasite. This can lead to seizures, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
More than just being annoying to get rid of, fleas can be downright dangerous for your pets or your family. Here’s what you should know about how they get into Raleigh homes, how you can prevent an infestation, and what to do if you’ve got an active flea infestation on your hands.
How Do Fleas Get Into Raleigh Homes?
It’s a common misconception that fleas can only get into your home by hitching a ride on your pets. While it’s not unusual for fleas to grab onto your dog while you’re out on a walk or hide in an outdoor cat’s fur, pets aren’t their only method of transportation.
As small as they are, fleas aren’t picky about their hosts. They’ll happily use small rodents or wildlife hosts that may be hanging around your property to get inside your home.
In some cases, fleas may even decide to hitch a ride on you! These pests are impressive jumpers, and they may jump onto your pant leg or shoe when you stumble upon their hiding spot.
How To Prevent Fleas In Raleigh, NC
Fleas may be resourceful, but there are ways that you can prevent a flea problem from becoming a full-blown infestation, such as:
- Make sure you treat your pets, both indoor and outdoor animals, for fleas throughout the entire year.
- Frequently wash laundry, pet bedding, and other items that fleas may use as hiding spots.
- Regularly vacuum carpeting or flooring as this can be a hotspot for flea eggs.
- Make sure you’re not leaving open sources of food out that may attract rodents, and seal outdoor trash cans that may lure in wildlife.
- Thoroughly inspect furniture or second-hand items before you bring them into your home.
- Keep yard debris a safe distance away from your home and inspect it before you bring it inside.
It may seem like a lot of work but preventing fleas in the first place is far preferable to dealing with an infestation.
The Best Way To Control Fleas In Raleigh, NC
While there are a couple of ways you can prevent fleas in your Raleigh home, these tips may not be able to tackle an existing infestation. That’s where a professional pest control company like Innovative Pest Solutions comes in.
If you’re frequently dealing with flea-related issues around your property, in your home, or even with your pets, call us at Innovative Pest Solutions today to find out more about our comprehensive flea control program.
