Fleas are annoying pests that feed on the blood of humans and pets. Because they are small, they can stay in your house undetected until an infestation occurs. For homeowners who have pets, fleas can cause a significant headache. Fleas are reddish brown and are very small. They can live up to 2 years, focusing on feeding and breeding. They spend their lives on their host eating and reproducing. A female flea can lay at least 25 eggs per day and consume blood for up to thirty days her body weight every day. Once she lays eggs, she can move into places where people and pets live.
Fleas usually take up residence in carpeting, dirty laundry, and furniture. As they hatch into fibers, they feed on organic matter. Until they can find a host, the larvae create a cocoon and pupate. Fleas like warm weather, which makes a lot of places in California a possible home for these pests. During winter, they stay dormant, which means they never disappear. Preventing a flea infestation or addressing a current infestation is essential. If you suspect you have fleas on your property, visit a pest control company’s website to know if it can handle these pests.
Flea Infestations and Dangers
Although fleas do not directly pose health threats to people, they can leave itchy welts that can result in an infection when they bite. Also, a flea infestation can aggravate allergies and respiratory conditions. Fleas can wreak havoc on your pets. When ingested by your pests, fleas can cause allergic reactions and tapeworms.
A flea infestation can take place quickly. Because these pests can reproduce rapidly, one flea can quickly turn into a problem. Identifying a flea problem early is important to prevent a bigger problem. You may have an infestation if your pets are scratching excessively, if you can see dot-like insects in the fur of your pets or find fleas hopping around. If this is the case, you should contact a professional exterminator right away.
How to Avoid a Flea Infestation
Discovering you have fleas on your property can be terrifying. Fleas are not easy to eliminate; however, you can take steps to avoid an infestation. These pests thrive in places where they can hide themselves and jump onto hosts. Thus, you should vacuum frequently and maintain your law to eliminate debris where fleas may hide while they wait for a host. But if you are currently dealing with a flea infestation, it may be time to contact an expert for help.
