Texas provides an excellent environment for many different pests, insects and wildlife to thrive throughout the state. Spring time is the busiest time for this type of activity and if you do not take the proper steps to protect you, your family and your home against the threat that these pests can pose, you will find yourself in a world of hurt. One prominent pest found in Greater Austin, TX is the flea. Fleas definitely flourish in warmer weather, and with spring arriving, that means that they are ready to latch onto you and your pets and make your home their home.
How Do You Know if You have Fleas in the House?
One way to tell if fleas are in or near your home is to pay close attention to the behavior of your pets. Fleas love to attach themselves to cats and dogs, as they are often an easy target for a meal. Fleas have the ability to latch onto your family pet while they are outdoors and once they attach themselves to your pet, they have a free ride right into your home. One flea has the ability to feed on your pet for up to three hours. Fleas will engorge themselves with blood until they are completely full. Once the flea is full, it can easily fall off of your pet and right into the fiber of your carpet.
How Quickly Can Fleas Spread?
Once a flea has successfully gained access into your home, they can cause a serious flea infestation that can become extremely difficult to remove. Female fleas can lay 40 to 50 eggs per day on a host. That means if a flea has latched onto your pet, it is likely that they have also laid some eggs; these eggs can fall periodically throughout your home. Flea eggs hatch up to two weeks after being laid, so imagine the number of fleas that could be jumping around your home if they caught a ride inside from your family pet.
How High Can Fleas Jump?
One attribute that fleas have is the ability to jump a great distance. Fleas are excellent jumpers and can jump vertically up to seven inches and horizontally thirteen inches. This means that a flea can easily jump from one host to another if they are standing close enough together.
Flea Pest Inspections, Treatment Control & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
If you suspect that fleas are near or inside of your home, contact A-Tex Pest Management immediately to protect your pets, your family and your home from the damage that fleas can do.