The Ways Fleas Enter Your Home
1. Pets Can Bring Fleas Into Your Home
Flea Infestations can happen when fleas carried by the host animal jump off the animal and onto surfaces such as outdoor furniture and cushions. Even if you don't own a pet, having friends visit with their pets can result in them bringing fleas with them. Fleas might also come from the pets of your neighbors who roam and spend time in your yard.
2. Rodents and Other Wildlife Pests Can Carry Fleas
Visits from wildlife such as rodents, opossums, and raccoons could also be a source. If you have a rat or mouse problem, you may soon discover that you have a flea infestation. To prevent fleas from entering your home, contact a professional to remove the wildlife from your property.
3. Fleas Can Be on People or Their Things
While fleas prefer animal hosts, they will bite people as well. They can also be carried from one location to another by humans when traveling.
Fleas can also be found in furniture acquired at thrift stores or yard sales. Fleas can hop onto your pet’s fur from another pet or infested dirt or grass outside. When the fleas reproduce, more fleas can infest your home and hide in bedding, furniture, and clothing.
What Are the Signs of a Flea Infestation?
Signs of a flea infestation include:
- Fleas hopping on your drapery, carpet, furniture
- Your pet is scratching, licking, and biting their fur excessively
- Tiny dot-like insects on your pet’s fur
- You have red, itchy bites on your ankles and knees
- Small and white flea eggs in your carpet
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your Home
If you find fleas on your pet, the sooner you treat the problem, the better. The best method is a multi-step one in which you target fleas, larvae, and eggs on your pet, in your house, and in your yard at the same time.
Step 1:
Use a flea comb to remove fleas from your pet and kill them in hot, soapy water. This is also a good time to speak with your veterinarian about the best flea control treatment for your pet, as well as methods for preventing future flea infestations.
Step 2:
Next, vacuum any carpeted floors and draperies. When you're finished, seal the vacuum cleaner bag in a plastic bag and place it in your outdoor trash bin.
To kill any lingering fleas, apply flea spray over the carpet. Vacuum your carpets and drapes daily until all evidence of the infestation is gone. All bedding should be washed in hot, soapy water, and your pet's living space, as well as any other sections of the house where he or she chooses to sleep, should be completely cleaned.
Step 3:
Before applying any sort of flea treatment, the yard must be thoroughly cleaned. Clear away any messes, such as wood and rubbish mounds. Trim weeds and plants that are too tall around crawl spaces and sheds. Rake up dead leaves and plants and bag them to be disposed of.
How Can I Prevent a Flea Infestation?
Flea infestations are unpleasant and difficult to eliminate. However, there are preventative measures you can take to avoid an infestation in the first place.
Vacuuming frequently will help in the removal of fleas and the dirt that they use as cover. It's also a good idea to mow your lawn on a regular basis and keep your yard clear of tall weeds and grasses. Fleas flourish in these conditions and can leap onto your pet.
While it's helpful to keep your pet on a flea preventative during the warmer months, it's important to maintain your pet on a high-quality flea preventative all year because flea infestations can occur at any time of year.
If you frequently have flea infestations, you may benefit from using anti-flea solutions in your house. To kill flea eggs and larvae, apply these products directly to your carpet and flooring.
Professional Flea Exterminator
The best course of action for eliminating fleas and their eggs is to call a professional exterminator. Rid-A-Bug's trained professionals can assess the situation to determine the extent of the infestation, then apply appropriate treatments to kill the fleas and their eggs.
If you suspect a flea infestation, call us today.