Why Fleas Are Dangerous to You and Your Family
For such tiny insects – only 1-2 mm in length – fleas can be a big problem. Fleas are parasites that feed on blood and they are amazingly well-adapted to reproducing and thriving wherever there is a host to feed upon. Beyond the discomfort they cause, fleas in your home can be a health hazard. Fleas can carry diseases, some of which can be spread to humans and other animals. Pet owners often treat only the flea problem they can see – the one that’s causing their pets to scratch. That may not be enough to stop a flea problem on your pet from becoming a flea infestation in your home.
How Fleas Enter Your Home
Your dog or cat may pick up fleas while walking or playing outdoors. Although fleas cannot fly, they can jump as high as 7 inches and have claws that allow them to clutch firmly to your pet’s fur. Once aboard your pet, fleas enter your home and begin reproducing.
How a Flea Infestation Gets Started
An adult female flea can produce thousands of eggs in her lifetime. And because these eggs will drop off its fur as your pet roams about your house, you can end up with a flea infestation anywhere your pet goes. That could leave you with fleas hatching out in your carpets, in the dog’s bed, or even your bed! Because these eggs can take up to two weeks to hatch, the flea collar on your dog is not protecting you from the invisible infestation you don’t even know you have.
What You Can Do to Control Fleas
- Treat your pet for fleas at the first sign of infestation.
- Vacuum carpets regularly and dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag outdoors to keep flea eggs from hatching in your house. Don’t forget to vacuum furniture and your pet’s bed.
- Wash bed linens and any bedding used by your pet in hot water. This will remove any flea eggs and larvae.
It doesn’t take long for a flea problem to get out of hand. If you have tried to rid your home of fleas and still have a problem, a professional flea exterminator can help. Contact us for more information on how our pest control services can eliminate fleas and other pests from your home.
