Flea control in Monroe isn't just for pet owners. Many people think that if they don't have dogs or cats, then they cannot get a flea infestation on their properties. However, the fact that you don't have pets doesn't mean you have nothing to worry about. Learn more about these pests, how to tell you have a flea problem, and how Guard Pest Control can help protect you, your pets, and your home.
How to Tell if It’s Fleas in Your Home
Fleas are often difficult pests to identify because they are frequently confused with other pest varieties. For instance, it's very common to mistake flea bites for the bites of other pest species such as mosquitoes or even bed bugs.
One of the best ways to identify flea bites is their location, as these bites are indeed very similar looking to other bug bites. However, flea bites are almost always located on the feet and ankles because these are the areas that are easiest to access for fleas.
Other signs that fleas may be present on your property besides their bites include itchy pets or flea dermatitis, which is often caused by flea allergies, evidence of flea nesting activity, and even seeing fleas themselves.
Why Having Fleas in Your Home Is a Health Risk
Having fleas in your house can be hazardous to your health and the health of your pets. Flea allergies are one of the biggest problems with a flea infestation. It is entirely possible for both humans and pets to be allergic to fleas, and this can cause rashes, itching, infection, and scarring if scratching occurs.
Fleas can also spread disease. In fact, these blood-feeding parasites used to spread one of the deadliest diseases on the planet. Though it is very rare to wind up with bubonic plague nowadays, fleas can still spread this and other illnesses. Diseases people and animals can get from fleas include:
- Typhus
- Cat-scratch fever
- Tungiasis
- Tapeworm
- Hemoplasmosis
This is why, if you have fleas, you need to get rid of them fast. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done.
Effective Flea Prevention: Tips for a Flea-Free Home
Flea treatments are a lot harder to execute than flea prevention. If you want to get rid of an active flea infestation, you almost always need professional help. However, you can prevent flea infestations on your own by taking a few precautionary measures.
One of the best ways to keep fleas off your property is to keep wildlife off your property. Wild animals are typically covered in fleas, and when they come into your yard to root through your garbage or shelter in your garage, they can leave behind tiny little presents. When fleas drop off wild animals and set up shop in your yard, they can quickly breed a massive population.
To keep wildlife away, keep your trash covered, close your outdoor buildings like garages and sheds, and make sure you don't leave pet food or pet bowls sitting out. This can help keep wildlife away. You will also want to treat your pets with veterinary-approved flea prophylactics to ensure they are not bringing fleas home with them.
The Trick to Total Flea Control for Your Home
Unfortunately, flea infestations are extremely challenging to get rid of once you have them. Foggers and dusts only eliminate fleas on contact, making them generally ineffective against whole infestations because they only destroy adults. They typically don’t disrupt the flea life cycle.
To disrupt the flea life cycle and eradicate entire infestations, call Guard Pest Control for expert flea removal services. Our flea professionals can help you eliminate these parasitic pests from your yard and your house.
So don’t wait; give us a call or visit our contact page to schedule your flea treatment today.