Chances are, if you own a furry pet, you know about fleas. If you don’t own a pet, then these pests may not be a concern for you; but we are here today to tell you that they should be. These invasive blood-feeding pests may prefer to feed on animals, but they also regularly bite humans. To help you understand the dangers fleas pose to residents here in Lake Worth, here are some things you should know, including how fleas get indoors and how to get fleas out of your living areas.
How Fleas Get Inside
The main way fleas get into area homes is by riding on the backs of outdoor pets. If you own a cat or dog that you allow to roam in and out, they could carry in these problematic pests. If you don’t own a furry pet or don’t allow your pets outdoors, you still could be at risk. This is because fleas also ride on house pests like rats, mice, squirrels, bats, and birds. When these furry or feathered creatures break in, fleas jump off, infest living areas, and start causing trouble for both people and animals alike.
What Makes Fleas Dangerous?
Are flea bites painful? Not really. Do flea bites itch? Sometimes. Are these things what you should be worried about with flea bites? Absolutely not! Like other blood-feeding pests that live in our area, fleas can pick up blood-borne diseases from animals and humans. They then can spread these diseases through their bites. In the 13th century, fleas were the main spreaders of the bubonic plague, also known as the black death. In modern days, fleas still spread the bubonic plague and other serious diseases like murine typhus and cat-scratch disease. The only difference between now and then is that these sicknesses are treatable and rarely end in death. This does not mean, however, that they are pleasant in any way.
One thing we should mention is that fleas do not just get people sick. They are also a huge threat to your pets. In fact, fleas prefer the blood of animals over people and regularly spread diseases to furry friends. To make things worse, treating a lot of these diseases is expensive and difficult.
Some Steps To Avoid A Flea Infestation
In order to keep fleas out of your home, you need to get a bit creative with what prevention tips you use. To help with this today, here are some simple tips and tricks that will make invading your living areas more difficult for these dangerous pests.
- Seal holes, gaps, and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation using a caulking gun.
- Repair damage to window/door screens and door sweeps.
- Install a fence around your yard and garden to keep away wildlife.
- Pick up fruits, berries, and produce that drops into your yard.
- Invest in quality flea/tick collars for your pets.
- Hire a pest control professional to implement comprehensive flea control on your property.
When To Get A Professional Involved With Your Flea Problem
Because fleas use creatures to get into homes, keeping them out is often difficult. If you are looking for how to get rid of fleas from your Lake Worth home or you are seeking an answer to keep these pests out year-round, let the experts at Above and Beyond Pest Control help today. We know how to get rid of fleas and have the advanced tool and treatments you need to deter these dangerous, blood-feeding insects from invading your home in the future.
Call now to have your questions about fleas answered or to schedule your Lake Worth home for a visit.