What do fleas look like?
An adult flea is between 1/6 and 1/12 of an inch long, depending on the species. It is taller than it is wide, has tiny antennae (not that you would notice), and long comb-like legs. But it isn't easy to see a flea. Their small size makes them difficult to notice, and their comb-like legs allow them to quickly move through pet hair and disappear from view. What you are more likely to notice is flea dirt.
Can fleas bite humans?
Yes. Fleas readily bite humans. Their bites are irritating and itchy. But a flea will not take a human as a host. It will bite and drop off.
Are flea bites dangerous?
Sometimes. If a flea is infected with an organism associated with human sickness, it can present a danger. Fleas are known to spread many diseases to humans, including typhus, bartonellosis, and plague. It is also possible to get tapeworms from accidentally eating a flea, though, in most cases, tapeworms pass through the digestive system of humans without incidence.
How can I tell if my pets have fleas?
When fleas get onto your pet, you might not know it at first. Here are a few ways you can progressively detect fleas.
- Fleas or flea dirt: Use a flea comb to part the hair on your pet and search for these brown insects or the flea dirt they produce. Flea dirt looks like black pepper.
- Pet scratching: Fleas are irritating pests. If your dog or cat has fleas, you're likely to notice them scratching at those fleas.
- Bald patches: A flea infestation on your dog or cat can lead to overgrooming. If you have a pet that spends a lot of time outdoors, bald patches are a sign that they have a flea problem.
Consult your veterinarian regarding flea control products for your pet. These products can keep fleas off your pet and help you prevent flea infestations inside your home.
How do I know if there are fleas in my home?
If you fail to notice fleas on your pet, and fleas take root in your home, there are a few ways you may detect them.
- Flea dirt on bedding: Inspect areas of your home where your dog or cat sleeps. These are prime locations for fleas to take root because flea eggs and flea dirt must fall off the animal in the same general location. Look for the specks of "dirt" to locate the flea problem.
- Fleas jumping: When you inspect your pet's bedding, you may see fleas springing into the air. You may also find these springing fleas on rugs, floors, beds, and furniture.
- Flea bites: Fleas can leave irritating bites on your skin. If you have inflamed bites, particularly on your lower legs, ankles, or feet, it is a warning sign of a flea infestation.
Flea infestations will eventually catch your attention. These pests aren't subtle. Hopefully, you will catch them early and do something about them before they start biting you or springing around inside your home.
What is flea dirt?
Flea dirt is a polite term for adult flea fecal matter, and it aptly describes what this material looks like when you find it in your pet's hair. Flea dirt is also a food source for larvae. Baby fleas rely on the blood found in flea dirt for sustenance.
How do I get rid of fleas?
At Evergreen Pest Solutions, we offer pest control services in Virginia that exterminate fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks at the same time. Reach out today to learn about this seasonal service and how our local pest control company stops these biting pests!
How can I prevent flea infestations?
There are a few ways you can avoid a flea infestation. Let's start with a few steps you can take.
- Flea control products for your pets are your frontline defense. Many pet owners start with collars or ointment applied to the back of the neck.
- Wildlife prevention in your yard can deter animals from depositing fleas near your home. Remove bird feeders, keep trash bins covered, apply fencing material around the base of your deck, and remove yard clutter.
- Trimming vegetation near your home can reduce moisture and make it harder for fleas to develop.
A pest control service provider can also help you prevent a flea infestation inside your home. Routine treatments around your exterior will make it very hard for fleas to live near the exterior of your home. When you control fleas in your yard, you make it less likely that fleas will hitch a ride into your home on your dog or cat.
Would you like more information about flea treatments for your yard or flea control in your home? Contact your Evergreen Pest Solutions team for assistance.
