What To Do About Fleas In Your Bradenton Home

Fleas are common pests in Bradenton. They're so common, you might think they're not much of a threat. Not every infestation will lead to sickness for you or your pet. In fact, most don't. But there is a chance of sickness. We'd like to take a moment to talk about how fleas can make you sick and (most importantly) what you can do to protect your pets and yourself.

Flea-Borne Illness

flea biting skin

Fleas aren't born with diseases. Like any organism, a flea has to become infected in order to transmit disease. When an adult flea comes into your home and flea eggs are deposited in your home, the baby fleas that hatch from those eggs will not be sick with diseases. This is why you can get lots of flea bites and not become sick. But there are conditions that can make the fleas in your home a threat to you. Here are some examples:

  • If mice and rats are bringing fleas into your home, the fleas can contract a disease from those animals.

  • If your pet goes outside and picks up fleas that are near the den of an infected animal, they can bring infected fleas into your home.

  • If your pet contracts a disease, the fleas that feed on your pet can become infected.

There are many other examples we could give, but you see the point. The fleas in your home can be a threat to you if they have been exposed to an infected animal.

What diseases do fleas spread?

The most common flea-borne diseases in the United States are: Murine typhus, bartonellosis, tularemia, tapeworm and the plague. That last one is obviously the worst. Fortunately, there is a cure for the plague, and it is rare for anyone to die from it. If you find dead rats on your property, this is a warning sign of the plague. Take action and contact state health officials to take a look at the issue.

Wildlife Control

Every animal that comes into your yard can bring fleas into your yard. Getting control of wildlife is the first step in preventing a flea infestation in your home. Rodents are obviously top on the list of animals you'll want to control. Use these tips.

  • Reduce hiding places in your yard. Animals, especially mice and rats, will feel more comfortable in your yard if there are places to hide. Remove yard clutter to resist animal activity.

  • Bird feeders are a notorious attractant for wildlife, especially rodents. Move feeders to at least 20 feet from your exterior.

  • Address any conditions that create sources of standing water.

  • Use fencing to protect food sources in your yard, such as gardens, fruit trees, and berry bushes.

  • Use fencing to keep animals from seeking harborage under your deck, or some other exterior structure.

  • Put your trash in sealed containers, and make sure those containers can't be knocked over by a curious animal.

  • Installing motion-sensitive, flickering lights can be very effective at driving certain animals away from your landscaping.

Pet Protection

If you have a dog or cat that goes in and out of your home, make sure your pet is protected. The most obvious protection is a flea and tick collar. This is a good place to start but is by no means the end-all for flea control. If you have a dog, and your dog does not have an outside area that is protected by fencing, it is a good idea to create one. This keeps your dog from exploring locations around your home where cocooned fleas may be hiding. It also reduces wildlife traffic in this sensitive space.

Moisture Control

A flea requires a lot of moisture. If you keep your landscaping and perimeter dry, it can make it more difficult for a flea to develop from larvae to adult. Use these tips to dry things out:

  • Clean your gutters.

  • Trim your bushes and shrubs.

  • Water your plants in the early morning.

  • Remove unnecessary vegetation.

  • Fix leaky spigots or hoses.

The Greatest Protection

There is no better way to reduce fleas around your home than to invest in ongoing pest control for your exterior. If you live in Bradenton, Florida, reach out to us. We can help you find the right services for your pest control needs. You won't know when an infected flea gets into your home. Keep them all out with proactive pest protection from Keller's Pest Control.