Fleas are most commonly associated with our furry friends, especially dogs and cats, but once fleas get inside a home, they can suddenly become a much bigger problem. Not only can fleas cause painful, itchy bites on pets and humans, they can also spread a number of diseases. The best prevention for fleas involves taking care of outdoor flea habitat, using area-wide flea control chemical products, and using veterinarian recommended flea treatments with your pets. Here is some more info you need to know about fleas.
What are fleas?
Fleas are small, wingless insects that can grow up to 3 mm long. Most fleas are reddish-brown in color and may appear shiny. Fleas are thin and flattened in the lateral direction. This allows them to move easily through an animal’s fur. Fleas do not fly, but they are extremely good jumpers. Their large, powerful back legs are perfectly adapted for jumping from host to host.
What do fleas eat?
Fleas are external parasites that rely on a blood meal from a host animal. They typically prefer furry animals like dogs, cats, rabbits, rodents, etc. but if needed, they will also bite and feed on humans.
What are the signs of fleas?
- Pets that are scratching constantly
- Red, itchy bites on pets or humans that may swell and be painful
- Flea feces that looks like coarse ground black pepper and can be found in pet beds, carpets, rugs, etc.
- Adult fleas that can be seen jumping around, especially if you and your pets have been gone for a few days and they are desperate for a blood meal
- Flea eggs that are small and translucent and can be found behind furniture, in pet beds, in cracks or grooves of the floor, on carpet, and anywhere else your pet spends time
How can you prevent fleas?
One of the most important things you can do to prevent fleas is to practice good sanitation and take care of your pets. This might involve giving them regular baths, vacuuming and washing their bedding often, and talking to your veterinarian about prescription flea and tick prevention medication. Continue with these practices even after you stop seeing adult fleas. It is important to remember that the majority of the flea population in a home is in the form of nymphs or eggs that are very hard to spot. Vacuums suck up many of the nymphs and eggs, so clean around pet areas often.
Flea prevention also involves maintaining the outdoor habitat where your pets spend time. Keep your yard clean and tidy by regularly trimming the lawn and bushes and removing leaves and other debris. Fleas prefer moist, shady, cool areas, so if you can eliminate these in your yard, you will have an easier time of preventing them. A good pest control company can help by spraying your outdoor areas with a pet-safe flea treatment. These treatments may be especially necessary if you have had a recent infestation.
Sunshine Coast Pest Control
If you need Sunshine Coast pest control, Radar Pest Control is your best bet. Our experienced technicians will perform an inspection of your property, identify the pest causing trouble, and work with you to design a comprehensive and customized treatment plan. Whether it be termites, rodents, spiders, or other pests, we have you covered. For Nambour pest control, Buderim pest control, and everywhere in between, look no further than Radar Pest Control.