Fleas are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals that are very small and hard to see. They may have a blood meal over ten times per day, which is needed for females to produce eggs. Although these pests most commonly infest the homes of pet owners, they will infiltrate any home.
Fleas will jump and land on a host, such as a cat or a dog, and cause the animal to constantly scratch themselves and sometimes make them sick. They are known to spread tapeworm, tularemia, tungiasis, and other harmful pathogens. Many people and animals will experience an allergic reaction to flea bites that cause itchiness and irritation. Fleas typically bite humans in the lower extremities, such as calves and ankles.
Fleas can breed anywhere and may enter a home upon a pet, upon rodents that gain access indoors, or in second-hand furniture. Females can generate dozens of eggs per day and result in infestations that quickly get out of control. While indoors, they tend to congregate near pets (if applicable) or carpeting, upholstered furniture, or bedding materials.
Preventing Fleas In The Exterior Of The Home
Property owners should keep their grass cut short and trim large shrubbery and bushes. Fleas often travel on rodents; therefore, it is critical to keep them away from your property and remove bird feeders. Exterior trash and compost containers should have lids that seal completely. Take a moment to inspect yourself and your pets for fleas before entering the home.
Best General Practices For Limiting Fleas
- Inspect the home’s foundation, apply sealant or caulk to fill any openings, and ensure that weather-stripping is used to seal windows and doors.
- Do not bring used furniture or floor coverings into the home.
- Pets should be placed on a veterinarian-approved treatment and prevention plan year-round.
- Regularly groom pets and routinely wash their beds.
- Use a high-quality vacuum cleaner on floors, carpets, and cloth furniture, and promptly dispose of the used vacuum bag.
Pet owners sometimes make the mistake of only treating their pet without realizing the importance of also applying some form of treatment to the indoor environment. Fleas that are still developing in the form of eggs or pupae will still likely exist.
How Homeowners Should Respond To Pest Infestations
One common mistake made by homeowners is attempting to eradicate fleas and other unwanted pests from their property themselves. There are many products out in the market today that tend to embellish their capability of thoroughly eliminating large pest intrusions. Not only are these store-bought solutions often ineffective, but they may contain chemicals that are harmful to humans and pets. The best course of action is to contact a pest control professional for a prompt inspection.
Local Pest Control Experts In Wichita
At Alta Pest Control in Wichita, we employ a comprehensive approach to eliminate invasions by fleas, ants, rodents, and many other unwanted critters. We begin by closely inspecting the property to identify likely points of entry and areas of infestation. Next, we use the latest treatment methods to fully eradicate the pests and also make recommendations regarding how to prevent further such problems.
We are a family-owned provider of flea extermination services that employs a team of seasoned technicians that have been background screened and thoroughly trained. To speak with one of our professionals, please contact our local office. Remember to ask us about our pest-free guarantee that ensures total customer satisfaction.
