There are lots of fun facts about fleas to be discovered online, like fleas can jump 30 times in a row and lift objects 150 times their own body weight. While these facts are indeed fascinating, people with a flea infestation are most likely searching and asking some very different questions. As luck would have it, the answers to most of those questions can be found right here.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are small parasites that plague many warm-blooded animals. There are over 2,500 different flea species, but the ones most common to our pets and homes are cat fleas. These tiny flat-shaped bugs are between 1/12” and ⅙” in length with a color that varies from dark red to brown. They are wingless, so they use their strong legs to jump long distances.
Fleas feed on the blood of their hosts and can sometimes transmit diseases like the rare bubonic plague and murine typhus. They can also transfer tapeworms to people and pets alike, which is why active flea management is such a vital part of pet care.
How Did Fleas Get Into My Home?
You could ask any pet owner if they’ve ever had to deal with fleas in their home and most of them would confirm a history of flea infestations. Flea management is a huge part of owning and caring for a pet, especially if they enjoy going outside.
Fleas require a host to feed and breed on, and many of those hosts are likely to visit your property. Critters like squirrels, raccoons, and mice are frequent hosts for these parasites. When these animals make their way onto your Texarkana property, fleas and flea eggs will fall off, waiting to be picked up by your beloved pet. Once they’ve latched on to poor Fido, they will then find their way into the lap of luxury in your home.
Fleas may need your pet to feed on, but the environment in your home will also keep them happy. They are drawn to warmth, darkness, movement, and exhaled breath. This is why it is possible to have a flea infestation even if you do not have pets. They can make their way in through windows and other small entry points, as well as fall off the backs of mice and rats that may enter your home. There are several ways these opportunists get inside of your home, but the most important question is yet to be answered.
What Can I Do To Keep Fleas Away?
Knowing how to keep fleas away from your Texarkana home is critical knowledge for homeowners. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to manage flea activity around your property and inside of your home. Some of those preventive measures include the following:
- Keep your pets treated year-round for both fleas and ticks. This will not only protect your home from possible flea infestations but will also keep your pet happy, healthy, and safe.
- Clear your yard of debris to manage areas where fleas may be hiding.
- Keep rodent and wildlife populations away from your property, so they aren’t able to deposit the fleas near your home.
Implementing these prevention methods around your home will greatly reduce the risk of dealing with a flea infestation. If you suspect that you already have an active flea problem, the best way to handle it is to ask the professionals at Pest-Pro Services for help.
Look To Pest-Pro Services To Help
With over 10 years of experience in the pest control industry, the professionals at Pest-Pro services know a thing or two about the many nuisances common to Texarkana homes. As a full-service pest control company, we can treat any pests that may plague your family, including flea infestations. Your satisfaction is our top priority, and with the best service technicians in the area, we have all the right tools to meet your individual pest control needs with the highest level of care.
Contact us today to learn more about our customized pest control services or to schedule your free inspection.