One pest that you likely don’t think about very much is the flea. While you, like many homeowners, are probably concerned with preventing other household pests like ants, flies, and spiders, the flea is one pest that often gets ignored.
However, fleas are actually a common problem for homeowners in San Jose. While they are more likely to be a problem if you have pets, even homes with no pets can have flea infestations.
Fleas are tiny pests that only reach about 3 mm long. They are reddish-brown and often look like small red or brown dots on pet fur or furniture. Because of their small size, there are other signs of fleas that you might notice first if you know what to watch out for. Here are the initial warning signs of fleas:
- Pets that are biting or scratching their fur more frequently than normal.
- Seeing small dots that look like dirt.
- Pets that are losing hair.
- Flea droppings that look like small, dark seeds.
- Flea eggs are a translucent or whitish color.
Why Fleas Are A Big Problem
Fleas are a common pest problem, and also because they are so hard to see, it’s common to assume they aren’t dangerous. Fleas often go unnoticed for long periods of time, and you might not associate them with health risks for humans. However, fleas are dangerous because they can transmit diseases. Fleas are responsible for at least two major pandemics in history including the notorious Bubonic Plague outbreak of the Dark Ages.
While plague might not be a very common illness that fleas in California spread, these pests can also carry and transmit other pathogens including Bartonella, or cat scratch fever, and typhus. Plus, they can trigger asthma attacks and allergic reactions. Fleas are also a danger to pets as they can cause sores from scratching, pale gums, and other problems.
Some Flea Prevention Steps
Because of the risks associated with fleas, understanding how fleas become a problem, and taking steps to prevent them is vital. While fleas often come inside on pet fur, they can also hitch rides on clothing and furniture. They don’t live on human skin but they are able to bite humans.
Here are some of the best ways to prevent fleas:
- Check secondhand clothing or furniture for signs of fleas.
- If you have pets, work with your vet to find flea collars or other medications.
- Wild animals often carry fleas, so take steps such as installing fences to keep these animals out.
- Store pet food indoors to deter wildlife.
- Keep wildlife out by keeping bird feeders out of the reach of squirrels and other mammals.
- Vacuum, sweep and declutter often to get rid of any fleas on the carpet.
How To Prevent Flea Problems
While taking steps on your own to prevent fleas is helpful, by far the best way to prevent fleas is to work with your veterinarian and with the pest control professionals at Bay Pest. Let your vet handle keeping your pets safe and flea-free while you let us handle overall flea prevention and control methods. We have over 40 years of experience in the San Jose area and we will help protect you and your family from these disease-filled pests. To request your free estimate, give us a call.