Itchy? The Top Questions Homeowners Have About Fleas

Are Fleas a Summer-Only Problem?

Even though fleas prefer the warm weather, these invaders can become a problem any time of the year. When wrapped in their cocoon, the immature flea can live at temperatures that near 50 degrees Fahrenheit. While they won't survive a sub-freezing outdoor day, they can easily live in your heated home year-round.

What Are the Signs of a Flea Infestation?

The most obvious sign is the presence of the fleas themselves. But sometimes these tiny, reddish-brown, wingless insects are tough to see. At one-eighth of an inch in length, the adult flea can hide almost anywhere from your couch cushions to the baseboards.

Look for other signs of flea, including:

• Itchy pets. Scratching, chewing, and excessive licking are all possible red flags that your pet has fleas. Even though flea bites will irritate your dog or cat, these pests aren't the only cause of an itchy pet. Look for other signs and bring your pet to the vet for a diagnosis.
• Allergy dermatitis. Fleas can also cause red patches on your pet's skin. Again, as with itchiness, this type of allergic reaction can have multiple potential causes.
• Pet hair loss. Excessive scratching and allergic reactions from flea bites can also cause your pet to lose patches of fur.
• Bug bites. On humans, these bites are typically small, red bumps that appear around the ankles, legs, or waistline.
• Flea dirt. Look for flea fecal matter (tiny black flecks) on your pet's underside, around the tail, or near the hind legs.
  

You may also notice fleas or flea dirt in your pet's bedding, your own bedding, carpets, or upholstered furniture.

How Do Fleas Get Into a Home?

Unlike other insects, fleas typically won't enter a home to find warmth or a food source. These pests feed on blood sources, meaning they need an animal host to live. If you have a flea infestation and you have pets, the pests likely hitchhiked their way in on your cat or dog.

Can Homeowners Prevent Fleas?

In most cases, the answer to this question is yes. Prevention strategies shouldn't only focus on your pet (even though they're a primary part of the pest puzzle) and can include:

• Maintaining your yard. Mowing the grass regularly, removing excess plant life, trimming shrubs back, and other outdoor maintenance can reduce the risks.
• Keep food indoors. While leaving your dog's food bowl outside won't attract fleas to your yard, it may attract other wildlife. The more wild critters (such as raccoons, mice, rats, or opossums) you have, the greater the chances they'll bring fleas with them onto your property.
• Clean indoors. Even though a clean home can still have fleas, regular vacuuming of both carpets and upholstered items can reduce the likelihood of an infestation.
• Protect your pet. Plenty of flea prevention medications are available from your vet or over the counter. These can kill fleas and eggs on your pet and provide continuous protection.
• Hire a professional. Regular professional pest services can prevent an infestation.
  

Avoid DIY pest prevention sprays. A professional pest expert has the experience, knowledge, and equipment to effectively control fleas in your home.

What Should Homeowners Do to Stop a Flea Infestation?

If your preventative strategies don’t work or if you haven't tried them yet, a pest control professional can eliminate an infestation. Again, as with preventative measures, avoid do-it-yourself approaches. Scheduling routine pest maintenance after an initial extermination can reduce the risks of a repeat infestation.

Does your home have fleas? Contact American Pest Professionals for more information.