As the old saying goes, ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ However, homeowners in Livermore may want to think twice before applying the moniker to these tiny, tenacious household insects.
Perhaps worse than any other type of household pest, fleas are numerous, itchy, and downright annoying insects.
Although the physical attributes of this bug are often too difficult to discern, there are some characteristics that homeowners may use to help them identify this type of insect infestation.
- Mature fleas are typically 1/8 of an inch long and may appear like small specks of dirt to the naked eye.
- Most flea varieties in the Livermore area appear in color patterns of brown, red, or rusty-yellow.
- The body of a flea is thin and light, with powerful back legs that allow the pest to freely comb through the hairs of you or your beloved pet.
Fleas are generally thought of as a pet-only pest, but this is unfortunately not the case. In fact, fleas can and will feast on any available warm-blooded creature, including people. Fleas clamor into Livermore homes by hitchhiking on:
- Pets
- Wildlife
- Rodents
- Potted plants
- Tall vegetation
- Upholstery
- Clothing
- Used items introduced into the home.
As many Livermore homeowners are well-aware, fleas prove to be annoying and persistent visitors in any space. However, these creatures are capable of delivering much worse than an itchy bite. A short list of flea-transmitted diseases include:
- The Bubonic plague
- Murine typhus
- Tungiasis
- Tularemia,
- Bartonellosis
- Tapeworm
Due to these illnesses, Livermore homeowners would be wise to not underestimate the presence of fleas within their home. If fleas aren’t swiftly identified and treated at their initial onset, the infestation risks will be high, as well as your household’s potential to contract dangerous illnesses or parasites.
The Many Preventative Techniques For Livermore Fleas
Keeping persistent fleas out of the house must begin with one thing and one thing only: ongoing preventative tactics.
Homeowners are advised to implement each of the following tips to maintain a safe and flea-free residential space.
- Carefully monitor the behavior and pest treatment of your pets. If your animals begin itching without an obvious cause, experiencing an accumulation of excrement (also known as flea dirt), or exhibiting strange behaviors, you may be experiencing a well-established infestation. Talk to your veterinarian about seasonal treatments, or other efforts that could help stop the spread of household fleas.
- Investigate your home for possible pest infestations. Some creatures, such as rats and mice, may transmit flea populations through their presence alone. A year-round pest control prevention plan may help to solve this issue.
- Clean the floors of your home often, as well as pet beds, blankets, and even plushy toys. This will help to eliminate any existing flea eggs that could be incubating on these surfaces.
- To prevent the spread of fleas from outdoor animals, be sure to regularly bathe or topically treat your pets.
Need more immediate treatment for the flea problems raging on your property? Reach out to the professional pest-sperts at Pro Active Pest Control by scheduling a free home inspection today.
Fighting Flea Fiends With Pro Active Pest Control
It’s a flea-eat-flea world, and the best way to stay ahead of the infestation curve will always be investing in holistic, mindful methods.
The best way to combat fleas is through a collaborated effort between you, your vet, and a strong pest control professional. For more expert advice about flea control on your property, or to explore the pest control options that could be right for you, contact the Livermore office of Pro Active Pest Control now. Our highly trained staff members are eagerly awaiting your call.