When you think of fleas, you probably imagine a pest that’s more of a problem for pets than people, but this isn’t the case. While it’s true that fleas don’t use people as hosts, this doesn’t mean that fleas can’t infest San Francisco Bay Area & Monterey homes and cause huge problems for homeowners.
There are actually around 2,500 different species of flea in the world, but the most common species to get into homes is the cat flea. This species often uses pets like cats and dogs as hosts, but even households without pests can end up with fleas.
In this article, you’ll discover all you need to know about fleas including the problems they can cause and what you can do to prevent them.
Identifying Fleas
Fleas are extremely tiny pests that have long, oval-shaped bodies and are reddish-brown in color. They are only about one or two millimeters long, so you might not notice them at first. Often, fleas will just look like tiny flecks of reddish-brown dirt in pet hair or on carpets.
How Do These Flea Infestations Begin?
Unlike ticks, fleas can’t latch onto human hosts, but they can still bite you. They live on animal hosts, and they are commonly brought inside on pets. When fleas haven’t found a host yet, they will rest in shady areas with lush vegetation, such as in grass and bushes, where they wait for some kind of animal to brush past. Fleas can also jump from host to host when animals come into contact with one another.
While pets are a frequent culprit to start flea infestations, wild animals such as raccoons and deer can also bring fleas onto your property. In fact, one of the other main ways fleas get inside is on rodents such as mice and rats.
Lastly, flea infestations can start if you bring in secondhand items, like carpets and rugs, that are already infested.
Are There Ways To Prevent Fleas?
Once fleas get into your home, they can get onto carpets, furniture, curtains, and more, and they can also be really difficult to remove. So, one of the best ways to keep your home free of fleas is to take preventive steps to make infestations less likely.
Here are some of the best prevention tips:
- If you have pets, work with your vet to keep your pets protected from fleas throughout the year.
- Take steps to deter wildlife by removing bird feeders, storing pet food indoors, and keeping your yard clear of trash and clutter.
- Vacuum and declutter your home often.
- Regularly trim and maintain bushes, trees, and shrubs. Also, mow the lawn on a consistent basis.
- Prevent rodents by keeping garbage cans covered with lids and keeping kitchen areas clean.
- Make it harder for rodents and other pests to come inside by sealing up entry points. You can do so by repairing broken screens and filling up holes in the walls.
What To Do If You Are Having Flea Problems
If you’ve noticed signs of fleas around your San Francisco Bay Area & Monterey home, there is one simple way to remove them. Just contact the experts at Smith’s Pest Management. Our trained technicians can provide ongoing flea control including removal and prevention services.
The best way to keep fleas out of your home for good is by working with us and your vet year-round. Learn more about our different plans by giving us a call today!