Fleas
FLEAS
Fleas
can be a major nuisance to homeowners and their pets. So treating for fleas thoroughly, whether it’s the pet, home and/or yard, is important in ridding yourself of these irritating pests. Below is some helpful information in identifying, where fleas are generally found and any health risks from flea bites.
How to identify
Fleas are small, wingless and about 2.5 mm long with their bodies being shiny and reddish brown in color. They are covered with microscopic hair and are compressed to allow for easy movement through animal fur and can jump long distances.
Where to find
Flea infestations often come from a pet dog or cat. These pests attach to the animal when they are outside, and then infest its fur and the places it sleeps indoors. Flea prevention for both the home and yard can be difficult. Without a proactive approach, any pet owner is vulnerable to an infestation. On some occasions because fleas depend on blood meals from their host to survive, fleas may become an inside problem when the host they previously fed on is no longer around. Then fleas focus their feeding activity on other hosts that reside inside the home.
Are fleas harmful?
Fleas can bite people and pets and can be a big nuisance. Flea bites may leave the host with numerous swollen, itchy marks. They may cause allergic reactions in some people and can transmit several diseases with flea bite related illnesses tripling in the last 13 years according to the CDC. The most serious aspect of an infestation is often the time and effort it takes to remove. Dealing with the problem requires treating infected animals, cleaning flea-infested areas, and taking preventative measures to keep the fleas from returning.
How to eliminate the infestation
An experienced technician will conduct a thorough inspection and locate areas where the flea population resides. Once the inspection is complete, the technician will discuss next steps including preparation and treatment.
Give our office a call at 803-550-1922
to schedule an appointment.
