Your Questions Answered
Q: How do I know if I have fleas?
A: There are a number of ways to tell if you’re dealing with a flea infestation. First, you might notice your pets scratching or chewing on themselves excessively. This is particularly common in dogs, and even just a handful of fleas can lead to compulsive scratching in dogs with a flea allergy. Additionally, you’ll often find small, red, itchy bite marks on your extremities, particularly around your ankles and lower legs. Finally, you can often detect fleas themselves with the naked eye. Fleas are fairly easy to spot when fully grown.
Q: How did I end up with a flea infestation?
A: While there are a number of ways that fleas can be introduced into your home, one of the most common is through a domestic animal such as a dog or cat. While spending time outdoors, cats and dogs will often pick up fleas and then carry them inside. Once indoors, fleas will begin to reproduce and can quickly increase in number.
Q: Are fleas a serious problem?
A: A flea infestation can be a major issue. For one thing, flea bites are extremely unpleasant to deal with: they often lead to significant amounts of itching and irritation, and sensitive individuals may experience allergic reactions. Additionally, though, fleas are known to carry and transmit a number of diseases. We recommend contacting a pest control professional in order to deal with a flea infestation.
Q: How do fleas reproduce?
A: While fleas may spend their time on a host such as your dog or cat, they don’t actually lay their eggs there. Instead, flea eggs are found on rugs, carpeting, upholstery, and other areas of your home. Eggs will hatch quite quickly, often in as little as two days.
Q: How do I get rid of fleas?
A: Eliminating fleas for good can be a long and difficult process. It involves a number of related steps. First, you’ll have to thoroughly vacuum your entire home, including all upholstered surfaces. You’ll then need to mop all of the tiled, laminate, and hardwood floors in your home. Next, you’ll apply a flea treatment. Once the flea treatment has been applied, you’ll have to vacuum your home once per day for the next few days. Your vacuum’s contents should be disposed of some distance from your home, and you’ll be vacuuming up live fleas and eggs in some cases. You’ll also need to bathe your pets to eliminate any fleas they may be carrying. Considering how complicated getting rid of fleas can be, it’s often a good idea to contact a Home Pest Control professional for assistance.
