If you have pets, then you are likely familiar with the battle of the fleas we deal with here. There are more than 2,000 types of fleas in the world today, but the most common are dog fleas, cat fleas, human fleas and the oriental rat flea. Even if you don’t have pets, that doesn’t mean you’re safe from a flea infestation. Wildlife, birds and other pets within the neighborhood can bring these blood sucking parasites into your yard. Once you have a flea problem they can be extremely difficult to get rid of and often require the assistance of a professional exterminator. Winter is the best time to combat fleas for the year. The lower humidity levels and cooler temperatures slow down a flea’s growth process, allowing for a more effective pest control routine. A-Tex Pest Management will divulge on this matter today.
Flea Life Cycle & Habits
Fleas have four stages of life, egg, larvae, pupae then adult. When weather conditions are favorable, this transformation happens in just a few short weeks then as adults, one female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day! When the Winter hits, our humidity levels drop and the dry heat from our furnaces causes their growth to take a dramatic dip and slows down. This allows a homeowner a fighting chance to regain control of their home again. Fleas are wingless and therefore do not fly. They have the amazing ability however, to jump more than 12 inches into the air to hitch a ride on their warm blooded host, that’s more than 150x their size! This makes hitching a ride into the house on our clothing, pets or guests a simple feat for these pin sized parasites. Once inside, they remain on us or our pets for blood meals or as a means to lay their eggs. After these necessities have been met, they will then jump off the host and meander about the house. A female flea will lay her eggs just about anywhere, dog beds, our beds, couches, the cracks and crevices between flooring and the wall or anywhere else she sees fit. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t live out their whole lives on their host, they will make themselves right at home in your yard and in your home as well.
Signs of Fleas on Pets
These parasites are known carriers of the plague and can also cause severe anemia. Some of the most obvious signs of flea infestations throughout the home can be spotted on your pets. Excessive, abnormal itching, chewing or licking in irritated areas is a big red flag that they may have fleas. If your pet gets red patches on their skin, small red bumps or begins losing hair in a certain area that could be another indication. In severe cases however, pale gums can be a sign of anemia from too much blood loss and should be cared for by a veterinarian immediately. People can also have reactions to flea bites that cause irritation and itching too. If you believe you or your pets may be battling fleas check them for signs of flea dirt as well (little black specks almost appearing as dirt close to the skin) then check pet bedding, furniture and flooring around the areas you or your pets frequent most.
What to Do if You have Fleas in Your Home
If you do in fact have fleas in your home, start by calling A-Tex Pest Management to perform a flea and insect treatment for your home. While you wait for them to arrive. Begin cleaning by washing all your pet’s bedding, your bedding and curtains or any thing you or your pet has come in contact with in hot water. Then either take your pet(s) in for a flea bath or preform one yourself at home, contact your favorite veterinarian to see which pet flea treatments work best for your area and start or continue treatment for flea control on your pets. Then apply a Pyrethrin insecticide or carbamate to the inside of your vacuum cleaner to kill any fleas or eggs that get sucked up into the vacuum and begin a thorough vacuuming of all furniture top to bottom, under and around. Then vacuum all flooring paying special attention to the cracks and crevices between floor boards and in the cracks between walls and flooring. Then remove any leaf piles or debris from your yard for a more effective result when your pest control company arrives to treat the home.
Flea Pest Inspections, Treatment, Control, Removal & More in Austin, Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville & Cedar Park Texas
Professional pest treatments are your best defense against fleas all year round! With regular home treatments you can ensure the best defense against fleas. Fighting flea infestations on your own may feel like running in circles because they are extremely difficult to fight alone. These parasites are tiny, hard to see and breed quickly so it is important to have a trusted pest control company on your side. There is no better time than now to begin treating your home for a flea free spring. If you have further questions or need assistance eradicating fleas from your home, give us a call, we’d be glad to help!
