Dangers Fleas Bring To Florida Residents And Pets
Seasonal fluctuations in pest activity and populations are pretty normal. Many pests thrive in the hot, humid weather of summer and tend to slow down in the winter. However, when you live in a place like Florida, where the weather rarely gets truly cold, pests tend to thrive no matter the season.
One such pest is the common flea. Fleas are often introduced to homes by pets that bring them in from outdoors, but you can end up with a flea infestation even if you don’t have any pets. Fleas are amazing jumpers and, if they are on your property, they could get into your house all on their own.
How do they get onto your property? The most likely way is on the backs of wildlife. Fleas are parasites that need blood meals to survive, so they’ll hop onto hosts to feed, then hop off when they’re done. If an animal happens to be in your yard when that happens, that’s where the flea will end up.
The Dangers Fleas Bring
While fleas are certainly an annoyance due to their bites that leave behind itchy red spots, they can also be dangerous. Flea bites can cause a secondary infection if the skin around a bite is opened up by scratching. This can occur for both people and pets.
Some people and pets are allergic to fleas. If bitten, an allergic reaction can occur. Depending on the severity of the allergy, this could become a serious health issue.
Fleas also transmit tapeworm. If pets or young children accidentally ingest an infected flea, they can become infected.
Fleas have been known to cause anemia in pets that are advanced in years or already have ailing health. If a flea infestation is big enough, your pet could receive enough bites to become anemic.
How to Handle a Flea Infestation
When conditions are ideal for fleas, they can develop from egg to adult in as little as two weeks. That means that, even if a flea or two goes unnoticed in your home, you could quickly have a much larger issue.
There are certain measures you can take to avoid a flea infestation or at least keep the population somewhat under control:
- Vacuum regularly and immediately dispose of the vacuum bag.
- Wash bedding, including pet bedding.
- Keep your pet up-to-date on their flea treatment.
- Make your yard unattractive to wildlife.
If you already have fleas in your house, it is unlikely that the above measures will remove every flea. Their eggs and larvae can remain buried deep in your carpet or other areas where a vacuum cannot reach.
How to Get Rid of a Flea Infestation
If you find yourself dealing with a flea infestation, it’s a good idea to get professional help for your Florida home, to completely eliminate every flea in every stage of development. The experts at Keller’s Pest Control understand the techniques and have the equipment necessary to eradicate a flea infestation. We will keep you, your family, and your pets safe from the dangers fleas bring. Give us a call for a free estimate. We are here to serve you!