How To Prevent A Flea Infestation In Your Home This Summer

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Dog playing catch

We all have that moment when you are watching television, scratching your favorite pet behind the ears, and minding your own business when a tiny, black spec lands on your arm. You swat at it and wonder if you are really seeing what you think you are. A closer inspection of Fido's fur reveals what you feared. Fleas are a serious pest problem faced by households across America and not just those who have animals. 

These tiny little creatures, when feasting on our poor pets, account for thousands of vet appointments due to intense itching, rashes, even hair loss. And in young animals, severe anemia, which could lead to even more issues with your pet. As for humans, we can be pretty seriously affected by itchy flea bites too. Not only do they leave itchy bites but fleas can also carry many diseases. Countless times we have tried one home remedy after another only to be disappointed with the results. Why? Because fleas are just plain hard to control!

A flea infestation is undoubtedly much easier to get than to get rid of, especially during the warmer months in the summer. If it is a serious infestation a trip to the store for some anti-itch cream and a flea bomb will not be enough. You will still have a house full of unwanted guests. Treatment of your home and your beloved pet are probably best left to the professionals if you do have an infestation. But, there are a few ways that you can help prevent it by following a few rules this summer.

Can You Get Fleas Without Pets?

Most people associate fleas with pets, subscribing to the idea that you can only be susceptible to a flea infestation if you are a pet owner. However, this is a common misconception. Though fleas are often brought in by pets, they can also be brought in by other creatures, like wildlife, rodents, and birds.

 

While fleas feed on the blood of their hosts, be it human or animal, they are capable of surviving long periods of time without food. Fleas can go for over 100 days without feeding, so they’re found in many more places than just animal hair. They can live outdoors, in the grass, in fields, or woods. They can attach to your shoes or clothing as you pass by, unknowingly exposing your Pittsburgh home to a possible flea infestation.

Getting Rid of Fleas

These fast-breeding pests can hide out almost anywhere in your home. It doesn't mean that your home is dirty but they will find almost anywhere to hide. To help protect your home from becoming home to parasitic fleas this summer, the professionals at Witt Pest Management want to offer you some easy manage flea prevention tips:

  • Keeping out the clutter that we all accumulate will give you a much better chance at keeping them out.
  • Vacuum: It is important to make sure that you keep your space vacuumed paying close attention to where your pet sleeps and spends his time, as well as under beds, and the furniture and drapes.
  • Wildlife Control: wondering strays and other animals are carriers of fleas and ticks. Raccoons, skunks, and other wildlife or much more likely to move on if your yard is well manicured so trimming bushes and keeping the lawn mowed is an important step.
  • The most helpful and important tip is, if you own pets, use a veterinarian-prescribed flea preventative medication on them.
  • Before bringing pets back inside, do a quick check for fleas.
  • Regularly bathe and use a flea comb on your pets.

These tips, and making sure that your pet is treated regularly with a vet-approved flea and tick treatment, are the best ways to keep your pet healthy and your home pest-free.

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