Did you know that there are actually around 2,500 different species of fleas found throughout the world? This is a pretty staggering number to think about, and it makes one assume that fleas are crawling around everywhere.
The truth is that while fleas aren’t everywhere, they are a very widespread pest, and they could be living around your home even if you don’t realize it. Luckily, however, only one species usually invade homes in our area, and it is called the cat flea. To find out more about fleas in your Austin home and how to get rid of them, keep reading.
Identifying Cat Fleas
Fleas are only around an eighth of an inch long, and they are a reddish-brown color. They usually are noticeable by other signs of their presence, such as finding dark flecks of “flea dirt” on furniture or carpets or noticing that pets have started to scratch and bite at their skin non-stop, may be easier to spot. Some other signs of fleas include finding tiny eggs in the carpet or noticing red bites around your skin, especially near or on your ankles.
How Flea Infestations Start
Many people assume that fleas are only a problem for people with pets in the home, but this isn’t accurate. While fleas do not live on human hosts, they can still be found in places that don’t have any pets around at all. Fleas can be brought into a property in a variety of ways.
First of all, other pests such as rodents or wildlife species can bring fleas into your home or yard. Second, fleas can be brought in if you purchase second-hand items that are already infested.
However, if you do have pets, there is a good chance they could get fleas at some point. Fleas will pass easily from one animal to another, and because they are so small, an infestation can grow before you realize the fleas are there.
Seven Effective Flea Prevention Tips
Fleas can be a challenge to completely deter because they are common and spread in many different ways. But, there are steps you can take to protect your home against them. Here is how to do so:
- Work with your vet to keep any pets protected and treated from fleas year-round.
- Clean up yard debris such as mulch, rock piles, and dead leaves.
- Vacuum often.
- Deter wildlife from entering your property by fixing fences, removing bird feeders, and storing pet food inside in sealed containers.
- Focus on rodent prevention by cleaning up kitchens often and wiping up food and drink spills right away.
- Get lids that fit tightly for all trash cans around the property.
- Contact local pest control professionals.
Get Help With Flea Problems
The best way to protect your Austin home from fleas is to work in connection with your vet and the pest control experts at EnviroGuard. We provide pest control plans that address wildlife and rodents to keep fleas from spreading. If you are already dealing with a flea infestation, we can also help by offering removal services.
To get started protecting your home from fleas and the pests that transmit them, give us a call or reach out to us online today to learn more or to request a quote.