Most people think fleas only affect pets, but they can also cause diseases in humans. These insects are flightless and small and feed on the blood of various animals. There are several different types of fleas, ranging from 1/12 to 1/6 of an inch, with dark red or brown.
While fleas are visible to the naked eye, they often find hiding places to avoid detection. If fleas have invaded your home, you should get rid of them as soon as possible. Read on to learn how to tell if you have fleas, the dangers they present, and how pest control in Louisville can help.
How Can I Tell If It's Fleas In My Home?
The best way to tell if you have fleas in your home is to see the insects themselves. However, this can be difficult due to their small size. As a result, you're more likely to discover signs that you might be dealing with a flea infestation.
Some of the common signs that you're dealing with fleas include the following:
- Pets scratching: Fleas cause itching in hosts, so your pet scratching more than usual indicates a potential infestation.
- Fur loss in pets: When a pet scratches itself, it can cause a skin abrasion, resulting in fur loss.
- Flea bites: Flea bite marks can occur on humans and dogs, appearing as small red bumps that itch.
- Flea feces: Flea excrement appears as tiny dark specks on pet bedding, carpets, and rugs.
As you can see, your pets will usually indicate when you have fleas. But sometimes flea bites on humans can be an indication. These signs will help you determine if fleas are in your home.
The Diseases Fleas Are Known To Spread
While fleas might not seem dangerous, they carry various diseases. These pests usually spread illnesses to hosts when they bite them to feed off their blood. They can also spread diseases when infected flea feces, commonly called flea dirt, get into an open wound.
The following are illnesses and parasites fleas are known to spread:
- Murine
- Typhus
- Tungiasis
- Tularemia
- Bartonellosis
- Tapeworm
When pets suffer flea bites, they're more likely to contract anemia and tapeworms. In most cases, fleas will go after animals. But they'll settle for humans when animals are absent.
How Do I Prevent Fleas From Coming Back?
Fleas can become serious for a household, taking weeks or months to get rid of an infestation. The best way to avoid this problem is to take preventative steps. After resolving a flea infestation, these steps will ensure they don't return.
Some tips to rid your home of fleas include the following:
- Bathe and groom pets.
- Keep dogs on a leash while outside.
- Provide pets with year-round flea medication.
- Vacuum frequently.
- Wash bedding.
- Maintain your lawn.
- Avoid allowing rodents or wildlife on your property.
The size and life cycle of fleas make them hard to eliminate. If fleas have entered your home, it's best to call a local pest control company to take care of the matter. They have the expertise and materials to ensure these annoying and dangerous pests are gone.
How Can I Eliminate All Of The Fleas From My Home?
The best way to get fleas out of your home is to call on home pest control professionals for help. At Action Pest Control, our experts will inspect your property to find all signs of fleas and provide treatment to eliminate them. We also offer follow-up services to ensure they don't return. Call Action Pest Control today if you see signs of fleas in your home and get started on our flea control services in Louisville.