Tiny, small, and extremely irritating, fleas are one of the most annoying pests to both humans and other animals. Whether your pet is suffering from an acute infestation of these little buggers are hopping around in your home, they are one pest in Northeast PA that no one wants to deal with.
So, what are fleas exactly, and how much of a problem can they be? Here’s a little information on fleas and what you can do to get rid of them.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that live off the blood of a host. Much like ticks, these pests are on the lookout for a blood meal from any animal that moves. Fleas are typically very small and grow to an average of 2.5 mm long. They are a shiny reddish-brown color and they have microscopic hairs.
While they do not have wings, fleas can jump long distances to land on a host. Once they settle themselves on another animal, they will live off the blood. And just like that, you can have a flea infestation on your hands.
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.
Stomping Out the Flea
Getting rid of fleas can be a huge undertaking. 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, you may have trouble getting rid of him. 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, easy, and applying it to your pets will not only keep them safe, but it will 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 two-for-one treatment. Unfortunately, these treatments can cost a pretty penny; but it 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, and they 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 whip items down, try to use the hottest water allowed.
Once you are finished vacuuming, remove the bag or empty in 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. You can also plant lavender or rosemary, two natural repellents that will stop fleas from heading into your yard.
If All Else Fails, Call in a Professional
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 pest control expert. Once your pet and your home are treated, you can say goodbye to fleas.
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