58% of Arizona households own a pet, meaning a cat or dog. That means 58% of Arizona households at some point have probably dealt with fleas. That is a lot of flea collars and pet meds. As responsible pet owners, we have to ensure that we maintain a healthy environment for our furry friends. Pro Active Pest Control is Queen Creek’s answer to a flea-free home.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are very small wingless, flat insects with three pairs of legs and are reddish-brown in coloration. They can jump onto their prey from great distances considering their size. When the flea is feeding (attached to prey), they will mate and lay eggs. The eggs will drop off your pet and land on the carpet, on your furniture, or in your car. In domestic situations, mostly dogs and cats are targeted as hosts. There are 300 types common to the United States. It's your pets that suffer the most when it comes to flea bites. They can be dangerous and cause diseases. People are at minimum risk for disease, it's mostly discomfort.
- Bartonella - This is a commonly flea transferred illness that affects both animals, but primarily the cats. This can lead to eye inflammation, seizures, and heart disease.
- Tapeworms - While your pet is grooming or chewing on themselves, they can swallow a flea. This is how the tapeworms are introduced.
- Infections - For both humans and pets, excessive scratching can lead to skin infections.
Interesting flea factoid: fleas can jump further than any other insect. If a typical human had the same jumping ability, they would be able to jump 295 feet across and 160 feet high.
Where Do They Come From?
Fleas are everywhere in nature. They can hop onto an unsuspecting host pretty much anywhere when outside. This can be a pet or a person. They are carried along by rodents, wildlife, and neighborhood pets. Even if your pets never go outside, they could still get fleas. This is why it is very important to have them regularly treated.
Prevention
If you allow your pets to venture outside, they will inevitably pick up fleas. So, how do you prevent this from happening?
- Treating your pet with a medication that is appropriate to the type (dog or cat), breed, and size of the pet is very important.
- Plant flea repelling plants in the yard, mulch with cedar, and do not overwater the lawn.
- Vacuum carpet daily. If you suspect fleas, add in the furniture as well. You can sprinkle salt onto the carpet and leave it overnight. This dehydrates the fleas. Then vacuum.
- Launder pet bedding frequently.
- Over-the-counter or natural flea sprays
- Address the rodent or wildlife problems in your yard. They are definitely carriers.
Fleas reproduce very quickly, making it difficult to contain the infestation. The average flea will lay between 400-500 eggs in its lifespan of four months. Those numbers are staggering, especially when you factor in that a female flea begins laying eggs within 48 hours of its first feed. That is literally thousands of fleas in your home in a matter of six months if you do not call for pest control assistance. Even if you do your very best to follow the above list, none of these methods are 100% effective against a flea infestation.
Collaboration
The most effective method for treating fleas is a collaboration between your veterinarian and Pro Active Pest Control. Our combined efforts will have your home flea-free in no time. Fido and Fluffy will be back to normal and you can stop itching your ankles. That sounds like a win! Call Pro Active Pest Control today for a free flea extermination estimate.