Flea problems are common in Raleigh, but this doesn’t mean you should ignore them. In addition to being a constant nuisance, fleas can be harmful to your health. Learn more about the dangers of fleas and find out how you can keep your home safe from these pests.
Do You Have Fleas?
Before you find out more about the danger of fleas, you may want to know whether or not you have an infestation. Fleas are small pests, and you may not notice signs of them until it’s too late.
Typically, the first sign of fleas is noticing bites on your ankles or near your knees. Unlike mosquito bites, flea bites don’t swell much. They are itchy, small bumps and have only one puncture hole. If you have pets, you might notice them scratching away at the bites. Dogs and cats often develop bare patches as they constantly scratch at their bites.
Another sign of fleas is spotting flea eggs. To grow their population, fleas lay eggs in carpet. You might see tiny white eggs when you run gloved fingers along the carpet. For more visibility, you need a magnifying glass. Whether you’re certain you have fleas or you have a nagging suspicion, you should consult with a Raleigh pest control professional. There’s no time to waste.
Why Fleas Are A Big Deal
Because you hear of so many locals having flea problems, you might not worry about the fleas in your own home. After all, they’re just a tiny pest. This mindset could cause a serious problem for you. Unfortunately, fleas are much more than a nuisance. They’re one of the most dangerous pests in Raleigh.
Fleas survive on blood, which they obtain from people and animals. As a parasite, fleas can spread diseases that range from minor to deadly. For instance, fleas can spread typhus and the plague to humans. Diseases aside, fleas also have the potential to cause a secondary infection. When you scratch a flea bite, the site could become infected.
Some individuals have particularly bad reactions to flea bites. If your body doesn’t react well to flea saliva, the itching could keep you from sleeping at night. You may find it impossible to get relief from the itching. In the case of a severe flea infestation, it’s even possible to develop anemia.
Your pets are also in danger. Generally, dogs and cats are more vulnerable to fleas and their dangers. To keep them safe, you need to rely on flea prevention methods.
Tips For Prevention
There are a few simple steps you can take to keep fleas away. First, make sure your pets are on flea medication. They make flea collars, chewable tablets, and other forms of flea preventatives. Talk to your veterinarian to learn more about the options.
Whether or not you have pets, you could have fleas in your home. Other pests, like rats and squirrels, can carry fleas into your yard. If you don’t want fleas in your yard, you need to take measures to keep those pests away. Clearing yard debris makes your property much less appealing to wildlife pests, which reduces your chance of a flea encounter.
It’s also useful to keep your lawn short. As your grass grows, it provides more hiding places for pests. You never can tell which animals are hiding on your property. Lush vegetation is also appealing to pests, so make an effort to trim your bushes.
On your own, it may be difficult to keep fleas away. But here at Innovative Pest Solutions, we can help. Our team knows how to keep out wildlife pests and fleas. With years of experience, we’re ready to help you. We offer customized treatment plans based on the findings of a free inspection. Call us today at Innovative Pest Solutions to learn more about our ongoing flea prevention plans.