If you have pets, you probably are well aware of fleas and the devastating impact they can have on your home and family. But do you know WHY and HOW they found their way into your house?
Let’s start with the why…
Fleas are, unfortunately, a year-round infestation possibility. When cooler weather sets in, they especially tend to become a nuisance; they are entering your home in search for warmth and shelter.
They don’t care if they were invited in or not!
Sometimes, they find their way in with a ride on your family pet – be it the dogs or a cat who explores the great outdoors on occasion. But don’t go blaming Mooch and Earl just yet!
With long legs designed to aid in transporting themselves from host to host, fleas are most likely to be found on wildlife and rodents. Most preventative pest control measures recommended by veterinarians will eliminate the risk to your pet but they do not aid in populations of squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, deer, etc.
How are you supposed to know if you have a flea issue?
First, take notice of your pets. Scratching and biting more than normal should serve as a big red flag. It may not be fleas, but something has changed which is causing your animals’ discomfort. Take a look on their skin at the base of their fur/hair. Typically a reddish-brown color, this pest is only about 1/16 of an inch which can make it hard to spot. Keep in mind, they are wingless but will jump!
If you think there are fleas in your home – for example on the furniture and carpet – you can perform an easy DIY experiment to find out. Simply run a clean white piece of paper against the fabric/carpet. This will agitate the fleas present and cause them to leap showing themselves against the stark white background.
Okay, so I know I have fleas. Now what?!
Take a deep breath. Fleas can be a big pain when it comes to remediation but with dedication and patience, you can move past the pest infestation.
First of all, understand that your pets will need to be treated. Talk to your veterinarian about what they recommend and what you should do in the meantime. Next, address your home. Ideally, since your pets would need to be out of the house during remediation anyway, you can align for your pets’ treatment to take place during your home’s treatment.
Sometimes treatment will involve an aerosol fumigation. Speaking with your pest control company can help determine a plan for your specific home and its unique needs. No matter the type of treatment, you will need to complete protocols prior. This includes vacuuming, turning off pilot lights, covering exposed food, eliminating boxes and stored items from beneath beds, etc.
Kick that circus out of town!
Make sure you seek professional advice and help with your home’s flea situation. Over-the-counter products will mostly likely not aid you in eliminating the issue.
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