Fleas are external parasites of mammals and birds. These pests mostly live outdoors in the grass, fields, or woods. Fleas hide in yard debris, dirt, grass, weeds, and bushes, waiting for wildlife to pass by so they can latch onto them and feed on their blood.
Fleas find their way into our homes in a variety of ways, and once they get in, they can spread quickly. When they travel from place to place, fleas lay eggs, and these eggs often fall off of the host and land throughout your property.
Once inside your home, fleas can be found in bedding and blankets, clothing, and throughout the yard, exposing you to the dangers of infestation. The best way to guard yourself against fleas is with Action Pest Control, a dependable Louisville pest control company.
Is This A Flea?
Before we get into the dangers of a flea infestation, let’s start with being able to identify these parasites. Fleas are dark reddish-brown, oval-shaped, with a hard shell. They measure about 1/8 of an inch in length, are flat and flightless, and have three pairs of powerful jumping legs that allow them to move from one host to another. You can also identify them by their biting mouthparts, which they use to pierce the skin of their host.
Fleas In Louisville Can Be Dangerous
Are fleas dangerous? Yes, and there are serious consequences to consider. Fleas may be small, but they can have a big effect on their hosts. As vector pests, fleas can transmit bacterial diseases and illnesses to their hosts and cause a long list of adverse health effects. Some of the vector-borne illnesses that can result from fleas include:
- Bartonellosis (“cat scratch disease”)
- Flea allergic dermatitis (FAD)
- Parasites
- Plague
- Rickettsiosis
- Spotted fever
- Tapeworm
- Tularemia
- Typhus
Fleas can also pose a threat to household pets like cats and dogs. Our beloved pets have allergies to these parasites, which can cause scabbing and fur loss. Fleas are also known to give tapeworm to pets, so as a pet owner, be sure to do what is necessary to reduce your exposure to fleas.
Six Ways To Keep The Fleas Away
The best thing you can do to protect yourself from flea infestation is to be proactive in your prevention efforts. Here are six flea prevention tips:
- Reduce clutter and vacuum carpets, floors, furniture, and crevices where fleas can easily hide.
- Treat your pets regularly with a vet-recommended flea treatment.
- Maintain a clean home, as proper sanitation is key in flea prevention.
- Use outside flea control on the exterior of your home to reduce the chances of infestation.
- Vacuum eggs and larvae and properly dispose of the vacuum bag in a sealed trash can.
- Wash and dry all bedding, linens, laundry, and upholstery that has come in contact with the animal.
While taking precautions can be beneficial in your efforts to get rid of fleas in your home, there’s still no method of protection as effective as professional home pest control services. The team at Action Pest Control is here to help you.
Professional Flea Control Made Simple For Louisville Homes
Action Pest Control is your go-to source for quality flea control and prevention solutions. The truth is that flea infestation can be hard to control on your own. They reproduce very quickly, spreading their populations until there is a full-blown infestation to deal with, not to mention their eggs are dropped throughout your property as they move from one host to the next. That’s why we’re here to protect you. Contact our team of experts to discuss all your flea problems, and we’ll help you come up with the most suitable solution.