Fleas are a problem in Northeast Pennsylvania because they thrive in humid, wooded environments, and understanding how they spread explains why they affect both pets and people.
This blog explains what fleas are, why they become such an issue in our region, and how you can control them in and around your home.
In the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas, pet owners face this problem every year. Our trails, parks, and backyards create the perfect environment for fleas to multiply and spread.
If your dog enjoys running the D&L Trail or your cat spends time outdoors, fleas can easily hitch a ride inside. Once indoors, they become a persistent nuisance that is hard to remove without the right prevention or treatment.
So, what are fleas exactly, and how much of a problem can they cause? Here’s what you need to know about these pests and the steps you can take to keep them under control.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that live off the blood of a host. Much like ticks, they’re always on the lookout for their next meal.
Measuring only about 2.5 mm long, these reddish-brown parasites are hard to spot but easy to spread. Despite lacking wings, fleas are powerful jumpers, capable of leaping up to 13 inches to land on their host.
Once they find a dog, cat, or even a rodent, fleas settle in and feed on blood. From there, they reproduce rapidly, laying up to 18 eggs a day. A small problem can turn into a full-blown infestation in just a couple of weeks.
The Problem with Fleas
Unfortunately, fleas are annoying pests that can take some time to get rid of. These tiny annoyances are usually brought in by a pet. The fleas will attach themselves to fur and use your pet as an all-inclusive resort. They will feed, lay their eggs, and live off any creature.
Of course, their taste isn’t limited to one type of animal; they also feed on other mammals including rodents.
Once they find their way inside your home, they can turn into a big problem. Fleas will feed on humans.
Their bites are easy to identify: they are small, red, and swollen bumps, and they can be extremely itchy. What’s worse is that you’ll usually find multiple bites.
Those with allergies will experience a worse reaction, and it could prove to be painful. Fleas can also transmit illness like other creatures that feed off blood.
With a proper host and steady food, females can thrive very quickly. Fleas can lay 18 eggs in a day, so in as little as two weeks, your home or pet can be overrun with fleas.
Easily, their numbers can grow from 20 to 2,000. Plus, since they are so small, it can be difficult to know when you’ve gotten rid of the little pests.
Signs of Fleas in Your Home or On Pets
Fleas are not necessarily subtle creatures, so spotting signs of their activity may not be too difficult:
- Pets constantly scratching, biting, or licking themselves
- Tiny red bumps or scabs on your pet’s skin
- Flea dirt (small black specks that look like pepper) on pet bedding or fur
- Visible fleas jumping on carpets, furniture, or pet bedding
- Small, itchy bite marks on humans, often around ankles and legs
- Restlessness in pets, especially at night when fleas are most active
Stomping Out the Flea
Getting rid of fleas can be a huge undertaking, but it’s not impossible.
The first step is to look after your pets, especially if you live in a multiple-pet household. Chances are, if one of your pets brought in fleas, they all have them.
It’s a good idea to clean the flea-infested areas to keep them from returning. However, they are small and numerous, so you may have trouble getting rid of them.
Fear not! Here are three simple tips to help you stomp these out for good and keep them from coming back.
1. Use Flea Medicine on Your Pets
The first thing you can do to get rid of and prevent future flea infestations is to make sure your pets are treated with the proper medicine. If you take your pets outside at any point, you should make sure they have proper flea protection.
It’s simple and easy, and applying it to your pets will not only keep them safe but also save you the headache of getting rid of fleas in the future. Plus, it will stop them from bringing the little pests inside.
There are plenty of treatment options, including ingestible treats, topical medicines, and treated collars. You can purchase these treatments over the counter or through your vet.
As a bonus, good flea treatments can also help protect against ticks. If you do your homework, you can find a two-for-one treatment. Unfortunately, these treatments can cost a pretty penny, but they will keep the fleas away.
If your pet already has fleas, there are numerous treatments and washes that you can use to get rid of any eggs, larvae, and adult fleas. Before treating your animals, be sure to contact your vet for the best course of action.
2. Clear Out the Area
Before cleaning your entire house in a whirlwind, try to track down where the heaviest infestation is. Fleas prefer moist, cool areas that won’t be too far from their host.
More than likely, they will be around where your pet sleeps. Remove any toys, clothing, or items from the floor and clean them thoroughly. Wash any bedding and vacuum all floors and furniture. When you mop or wipe items down, use hot water.
Once you are finished vacuuming, remove the bag or empty into a tightly sealed container. Vacuum the area frequently until you completely get rid of the infestation.
The goal here is to kill all life cycles from egg to adult. Also, since they do prefer areas with moisture, consider using a dehumidifier.
3. Maintain the Yard
If you have an infestation, chances are, your pet brought it from outside. If your dog or cat has a favorite spot, try to keep that area tamed. Cut the grass and trim the greenery often.
If fleas continue to be an issue for your yard, consider treating the lawn with a yard spray. You can also plant lavender or rosemary, two natural repellents that will stop fleas from heading into your yard.
Unfortunately, if you have a large infestation, these tips may not be enough to get rid of your flea problem. While there are many treatments for fleas, if they do keep coming back, you may have to refer to a flea control expert.
Once your pet and your home are treated, you can say goodbye to fleas.
FAQs
Do fleas only affect dogs and cats?
No. While dogs and cats are the most common hosts, fleas will also target rodents, rabbits, wildlife, and even humans if no animal host is available. Once inside, they can infest bedding, carpets, and furniture.
Can fleas bite humans?
Yes. Fleas will bite humans, especially around the ankles and legs. Their bites appear as small, red, itchy bumps—often in clusters or straight lines. Though they don’t live on humans as a primary host, they’ll feed if given the chance.
How can I tell if my dog or cat has fleas?
Some common signs include constant scratching, red or irritated skin, hair loss from biting, and flea dirt (tiny black specks that look like ground pepper) in the fur or bedding. Running a flea comb through your pet’s coat is the fastest way to confirm.
