Fleas are nasty little blood-sucking pests that feed on our beloved pets — and us. They can drive a sensitive or allergic dog or cat to tear out its own fur as it seeks relief from the incessant itching. Fleas present a health risk for pets and family members, and they are notoriously hard to get rid of. But where do fleas come from in the first place? And how do fleas get into the house?
Why Do Fleas Even Exist?
We know that bats and spiders help eliminate pests, while wasps pollinate plants. But do fleas serve any good purpose? Well, they are a part of the food chain. They feed on blood and are then eaten by ants, spiders, beetles, frogs, lizards, and snakes. The little bloodsuckers are effective disease vectors that spread diseases. It’s possible that fleas help to limit populations that grow out of control.
How Do Fleas Get Inside?
Fleas are extraordinary animal athletes. They can jump fully 100 times their own body length and up to 2 feet high. If a person 6 feet tall could do the same, they would jump 336 feet — one and a third football fields. But that’s not how fleas get into a house. Instead, they typically hitch a ride on the nearest cat or dog. But how do fleas get in a house without pets? Fleas may enter homes riding on mice or rats that enter the house or live in the walls or attic. Fleas can also come in on old furniture or bedding from an infested home.
Do Fleas Come from Your Yard?
Yes, fleas enter your yard, often riding on the backs of urban wildlife, such as skunks, possums, birds, or squirrels. As these animals move about your property, they periodically stop to scratch at the biting, irritating fleas. Some fleas and their eggs drop off as a result of the scratching. Your dog or cat wanders by, and the fleas jump aboard, ready to feed. Further, outside, fleas can typically be found in shady areas near long grass or bushes while they wait for a host to pass by. Because they can live without a blood meal from a host animal for as long as three months, they remain a threat even when not on your pet. Once they get a ride into your home, they wreak havoc due to their rapid breeding until you can finally tame the infestation.
Signs You Might Have Fleas
Fleas are teeny tiny, and they move fast. They’re hard to spot, but the sooner you notice the signs of a flea infestation, the sooner you can try to stop it. If your pet is scratching excessively, they likely have fleas. If they are pulling their fur out or it is thinning rapidly, a serious infestation and allergy could be occurring. Comb your pet with a flea comb. You may notice small black flecks in their fur, especially on their belly or bedding. This is blood-filled “flea dirt” or flea droppings. You may also develop itchy bites without ever spotting the biter.
How to Stop Fleas Before They Start
Now that you know where fleas come from, it’s time to stop it. It is vastly easier to prevent a flea infestation than to get rid of one. It all starts with your pet and your property.
- Treat all pets in the family with a monthly topical flea control.
- Regularly groom your pet with a flea comb.
- Discourage wildlife from entering your yard.
- Pick up fallen fruits and vegetables.
- Don’t feed your pets outdoors.
- Secure garbage cans.
- Block access under decks.
- Repair any fencing.
- Keep the grass trimmed short, weed frequently, and pick up debris.
- Do not overwater the lawn or garden.
- Fix leaky faucets and irrigation.
- Clean up spilled birdseed.
- Consider a professional flea treatment for your yard in the summer.
How to Get Rid of Fleas if They're Already Here
If you have a flea infestation, you’re in for a tough battle that you must win. In addition to the steps above, take these actions:
- For severe infestations, steam clean the carpets, rugs, and upholstery first.
- Vacuum all the flooring in the entire house daily, paying particular attention to places where your pet sleeps. Empty the vacuum daily into a plastic bag and discard it in the trash.
- Wash all the bedding in the house frequently using hot, soapy water.
- Bathe each pet using a flea shampoo, then apply topical flea treatment.
- Hire professional flea control. Reputable companies like Mosquito Joe® will effectively handle your flea problem outdoors.
Keep Your Home Flea-Free with Mosquito Joe
Knowing where fleas come from, you can see that keeping them outside and off your property is critical. Mosquito Joe provides professional flea treatments to keep your property free from the little biters. We know you’ll be pleased with our
pest control services because of the
Neighborly Done Right Promise™ and our Mosquito Joe Satisfaction Guarantee back all our work. We’re dedicated to getting rid of your fleas so you and your pets can relax in peace.
Request a free quote today. Let’s keep your property flea-free together.
