Seeing your pets scratching all day is often the first sign of a flea problem. But even homes that don't have pets can end up with fleas, usually from wild animals walking through the yard. Whether you are currently dealing with an infestation or looking to prevent one, this blog will provide what you need to know about flea pest control in the Bay Area.
We'll start by describing what fleas look like to help confirm they are the pests causing trouble in your home. We'll also review the health hazards these insects pose to your family and pets. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of fleas and keep them from coming back with the experts at Bay Pest.
Flea Identification: What Do They Look Like?
Fleas look like tiny dark brown or reddish brown oval insects to the human eye. They range in size from 1/12 to 1/6 of an inch long and have six legs and antennae. If you have a pet and comb back their fur, you might notice fleas swiftly moving away from the comb or using their powerful back legs to jump out of the way.
Because they can be hard to see, it helps to know what their bites look like. Flea bites that occur on people and pets leave behind painful, itchy red bumps with a "halo" around the center. If you need assistance identifying the pests in your home or eliminating fleas, contact us today at Bay Pest.
Health Hazards Of Fleas: Dangers To People And Pets
Having fleas in the house is frustrating, but worse than that, these little insects endanger the health of your family and pets. When fleas in the Bay Area bite a host to take their blood meal, they sometimes pick up pathogens that can spread to the next person or animal they bite. The following list includes some of the potential illnesses fleas can spread:
- Tungiasis
- Murine typhus
- Bartonellosis
- Tularemia
Fleas can also transfer tapeworms to pets and people. Tapeworms spread from accidentally ingesting a flea, and children and pets are most susceptible because they spend more time near the floor. Pets can also get anemia when the fleas take too much blood from them.
Fleas can also cause other problems, including flea allergy dermatitis in pets, a reaction to flea saliva that causes intense itching and hair loss. Humans can develop a similar allergy from flea debris. Contact us today at Bay Pest for help removing fleas and protecting your family and pets from their dangers.
Total Flea Elimination: Call The Pros Right Away!
If you have tried everything you can think of and still can't get rid of fleas, you are not alone. These pests are tough to eradicate. Part of the problem is that most over-the-counter products only treat adult fleas out in the open and don't work on the eggs they scatter throughout your home.
Fleas also reproduce rapidly, with females laying 20 to 50 eggs per day and up to 500 eggs in their short 100-day lifespan. The best way to deal with a flea infestation is to work with a professional company that can eliminate them at every stage in their life cycle. Contact us today at Bay Pest to learn more about our flea control services or to schedule an inspection.
Flea Prevention Goes Beyond Just Your Pets: Tips And Tricks
It's always a good idea to consult your veterinarian regarding preventative flea medication. But there are plenty of steps you can take to help with flea prevention, such as:
- Regularly bathe and groom pets to eliminate fleas they pick up outside.
- Keep dogs on a leash outdoors and avoid areas with long grass while walking.
- Wash your bedding, pet bedding, and any blankets around the house regularly.
- Frequent vacuuming can help you quickly remove any fleas that get inside before they can lay eggs.
- Maintain your yard by keeping the grass short and eliminating areas with overgrown vegetation.
- Address rodent or wildlife problems on your property and consider installing fencing to keep them out.
The pros at Bay Pest will not only eliminate a flea infestation in your home but can also provide professional home pest control for your yard to keep these pests away. We can also help determine what factors on your property are conducive to fleas. Contact us today to request your free inspection and say goodbye to fleas for good.