It’s no surprise that 61% of Pennsylvania households have a pet. Not only do animals create happiness, but they also bring many health benefits, including lowered stress and blood pressure. While you may love your pet, the truth is you’re not the only one. Fleas also love your furry four-legged friends, and for homeowners in the York and Gettysburg area, the war with this common backyard pest returns yearly.
How big of a concern are fleas?
While fleas are a big concern for homes with pets, they are a concern to other houses as well. Mice and rats carry fleas into a home unknownst to the homeowner. Fleas lay eggs on their chosen host animal, and as the animal travels through a house, the eggs fall and eventually hatch inside the home. Since flea eggs are only .5 mm in length, they are not easily noticed, making it difficult to catch before fleas hatch.
5 Signs fleas are in your home
Here are five signs that you have fleas in your home.
Excessive scratching. Fleas often hide in areas on pets that they cannot easily reach, including the back of their neck or head, causing excessive scratching and sometimes biting at their skin.
Loss of fur. While the loss of animal fur can be attributed to the excessive scratching and biting associated with fleas, it can also be an allergic reaction to the pest.
Red welts on your skin. If you notice mysterious red welts or bumps on your skin, especially at the ankles and lower legs, they could be flea bites. Flea bites have a pin-like puncture at the site and are extremely itchy.
Red-brown or black specks around the house. Often mistaken for everyday household dust, flea dirt is flea feces. To test, wipe it with a paper towel and then spray water on it. If the towel turns red or brown, fleas may be the culprit.
Small jumping bugs. Finally, fleas like to jump. If you notice jumping pests when you walk through the house or sit on your furniture, it may mean fleas have taken of home.
Tips to prevent fleas
If you want to win the war with fleas before they infest your home, follow these tips:
- Talk to a vet about appropriate flea prevention products for your pet.
- Keep pet areas clean, including beds, litterboxes, and remove dogpiles for the backyard regularly.
- Schedule regular cleanings for your carpets.
- Seal windows, doors, and the foundation to prevent any pest infestation.
How do you get rid of fleas?
Chances are if you are reading this, you already have a flea infestation in your home. The best method to get rid of fleas is to hire an experienced pest control company to do the job. With more than 64 years of experience, you can be sure that we have the knowledge and experience in getting rid of fleas. Send us a message or call (717) 229-9818 to take care of that dreaded ‘F word all animal lovers hate—FLEAS for good!
