As summer comes, so do bugs. They seem to pour out of every crack and crevice. Just waiting to cause problems and wreak havoc. Today we are going to talk about one pest that is especially hard to get rid of once it infests your home, fleas. Stewart Termite & Pest Control is here to help you know all the facts about fleas and what it takes to get rid of them.
Can a Person Brink Fleas Into Your Home?
There is a common misconception that fleas are only a problem in homes that have pets. While pets are definitely a common host for fleas, fleas also feed on humans. Many different animals can carry fleas. Birds, dogs, cats, squirrels and other rodents can all carry fleas. Birds almost always carry fleas, and that’s why it is always best to leave a wounded bird alone. Any contact with them can put you at risk of becoming a carrier of fleas. Because dogs and cats spend a large amount of time indoors, it is wise to give your pets routine flea checks. Looking behind the ears and in the bends of the legs on your pets regularly can help you spot eggs and fecal matter left behind by fleas. You may also be able to see the bugs themselves.
What Diseases Can Humans Get from Fleas?
Fleas are blood fed pests which means they do carry diseases. Much like mosquitoes, as they bite their hosts they can spread diseases. Fleas can carry viral and bacterial diseases. They are responsible for carrying some very serious illness such as the bubonic plague, murine typhus and even parasites like tapeworm. Along with being the carrier of some serious diseases, a bite from a flea can be very irritating, causing itchiness that can at times become so severe that it leads to hair loss.
How are Fleas Treated?
Fleas can multiply at an extremely rapid rate. A female can lay between 400 and 800 eggs in her lifespan. If you have a flea problem, it needs to be dealt with right away. It is almost impossible to treat your home on your own. If you have pets that are carrying the pests, they need to be treated at the same time your home gets treated. If you do one and not the other, the problem with only get worse with time. Because eggs and larvae tend to fall off of the host as it moves, the carpet in your home needs to be vacuumed relentlessly after a treatment to help get rid of the eggs that haven’t yet hatched. It is not uncommon to have two treatments done to your home to get rid of the larvae that have hatched since the first round of treatment. After vacuuming, make sure you are emptying the vacuum outside so you don’t risk the chance of dropping those eggs back in your home. Contact your veterinarian for recommended shampoos and other treatments that are safe for your pet. It is very important that the pet and home are simultaneously treated to efficiently get rid of fleas and avoid another infestation.
Flea Pest Management
Being vigilant is key to avoiding a flea infestation. Especially as the weather warms up and conditions are most ideal for these pests. Keeping your pets free from fleas is the best way to ensure your home is free of fleas. If there is a possibility that you have a flea problem, contact Stewart Termite & Pest Control to eliminate the problem. Stewart Termite & Pest Control can help you rest easy that no fleas are feasting on you or your pets this summer.