Pest Control The Talk of Town As Rodent Pressures Rise Amid Health Crisis
05/04/2020
Hopefully, we all know at least a little bit about how the lack of pest control can contribute to the spread of disease. Probably the most famous e...
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Once fleas enter your home, they can cause serious issues with both your pets and your family. To rid yourself of this annoying pest, ongoing prevention tactics are necessary.
The Problems With Fleas
Fleas are a common problem in Washington D.C. homes. It can be hard to detect an infestation at first as this tiny insect is so hard to see, but there are several warning signs you can look out for that indicate fleas are starting to move into your home:
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You may notice your pets start scratching themselves constantly and always seem to be uncomfortable or itchy. They may also develop red bumps around their belly, tail, or under their legs. Humans may also start feeling itchy or developing red bumps on their arms and legs due to flea bites.
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Visual inspection of your pet turns up the fleas themselves or flea “dirt,” which is actually the droppings of fleas. You may also find flea dirt around your home or dead flea bodies in your carpet – these can be hard to see, so a close inspection of your home is required.
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Hair loss or other health issues in your pets may be occurring. These issues are typically caused by serious flea infestations where the pet is repeatedly bitten. Humans may also experience allergic reactions to flea bites, so it is important to seek medical attention if you develop hives or shortness of breath.
Because fleas are such a common pest problem, many individuals don’t think they are a big deal. However, even homes without pets can encounter a flea infestation. This insect can bring danger to both pets and people:
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Fleas can introduce diseases to humans and pets in your household, including the more rare but dangerous flea-borne typhus and bubonic plague illnesses. Flea bites can also transfer tapeworms to humans and pets or heartworms to animals.
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Fleas may cause health issues in humans, such as allergic reactions. These can be mild and range from itching or swelling to full-blown anaphylaxis.
Flea Prevention Tips
There are several flea prevention tactics that you can undertake to ensure this pest stays out of your home and off of your pets year-round:
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Make sure your pets are up to date with flea prevention treatment year-round. Even in the winter, fleas can enter your home as they ride in on rodent hosts looking for shelter.
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Deter all wildlife and rodents that carry fleas from entering your property and into your home. You can do this by sealing gaps around windows, doors, and your home’s foundation and by working with the professionals at American Pest.
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Clear yard debris from your property regularly and keep the grass trimmed low. This will prevent rodents and other pests from hiding in your yard and potentially introduce a flea infestation.
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Vacuum and dust around your home often. This will help you remove any trace of fleas or flea eggs that may be lying around your home and aid you in fighting an ongoing infestation.
Expert Flea Protection
Though flea prevention tactics may work, the best form of flea protection is a collaboration between your veterinarian and the pest control professionals at American Pest. The experts will be able to deflea your home and ensure that you and your pets live in happy harmony.
