All The Ways Fleas Get Into Edmond Homes
While you might worry about spiders, wasps, or cockroaches getting into your Edmond, Oklahoma home, there is one pest that many homeowners don’t think about enough. Fleas are frequent home-invading pests, but they are challenging to identify and deal with because they are so small.
Fleas are dangerous parasites that can infest all kinds of homes. While it’s a common misconception that fleas only get into houses that contain pets, they can live almost anywhere. While it’s true that fleas only live on animals and not humans, they can get into items such as carpets and furniture and bite people, too. This is concerning as fleas are known to spread illnesses such as Bartonella and the Bubonic plague.
Fleas are a pretty small pest at only an eighth of an inch in length. They are reddish-brown with oval-shaped bodies, but it’s difficult to identify individual fleas by sight. However, they usually gather in large groups and can appear like dark “dirt” on carpets or on the fur of pets.
Where Do Flea Infestations Start?
While there are many different flea species in the world, the most common to get into area homes is the cat flea. If you do have cats or dogs, fleas can catch a ride on them and get indoors. These fleas can easily get passed from one animal to another.
However, if you don’t have pets, other animals in the area can bring fleas to you. Rodents often carry these parasites, so having an underlying pest problem of mice or rats can lead to flea infestations, too. Bigger wildlife, including species like raccoons, can also spread these fleas to a property.
Lastly, fleas can be brought in with secondhand items that are already infested. When purchasing used items, such as furniture and curtains, always check for signs of fleas, especially “flea dirt.”
Five Flea Prevention Steps
Because fleas are so tiny, infestations can go on for a while without you noticing them, so it’s a good idea to take preventive measures to try to keep them out in the first place.
Here are five of the best ways to prevent these dangerous pests:
- Keep larger wildlife and pest species away by removing bird feeders and pet food from outside and installing fences.
- If you have pets, get in touch with a veterinarian to ensure your animals are protected using flea prevention products.
- Focus on rodent prevention since mice and rats often carry fleas. This means covering garbage cans with lids, addressing moisture problems, and keeping kitchens cleaned. Also, make sure to wipe up food and drink spills right away.
- Vacuum carpets and sweep and mop floors regularly.
- Make sure that trees, shrubs, and other vegetation are kept trimmed and maintained.
These steps are a great place to start for flea prevention. If despite your best efforts, fleas make it into your home, it may be time to seek professional help.
Help With Flea Protection In Edmond
The overall best way to address preventing and controlling fleas is to work with your veterinarian and the pest control experts at Summit Pest Solutions. We offer residential pest control options that can get rid of fleas and address other pest problems that could bring fleas around. We also can offer more prevention tips and assistance.
To find out more about protecting your home from these dangerous pests, get in touch with us today. You can also book your quote.
