While it is safe to assume that you do not want any kind of pests infesting your Frisco home, you should want to keep out the ones that threaten the health and safety of both your family and your pets. Unfortunately, if you have a flea infestation, that’s exactly what you are dealing with. You need to take all of the necessary precautions to limit your exposure to these parasitic pests. To do so effectively, you need to know how fleas get inside in the first place. You should also know what flea treatment options you can count on should you find yourself dealing with a flea infestation in your Frisco home.
What Do Fleas Look Like?
Fleas are small parasitic pests that are typically reddish-brown. They are wingless but have strong back legs that allow them to jump 150 times their height! Fleas are parasites which means they feed on the blood of animals, us humans included. Their narrow bodies and strong legs allow them to move easily through a host’s fur. Furthermore, their piercing mouthparts let them hold on to hosts. There are over 2,500 different species of fleas in the world. However, the most common species to plague our pets and our homes here in Frisco are cat fleas.
How Do Flea Infestations Start?
Because fleas feed on the blood of animals, they are typically brought onto a property, or into a home, while riding on an animal. This could be both wildlife or even your family pet. Animals such as squirrels and deer might bring fleas into our yards while rodents such as mice and rats could very well bring them into our homes. Even if they only make it into the yard, there is a good chance that fleas will come into your Frisco home. Once inside, they can spread throughout the home feeding on both us humans and our cats and dogs.
Are Fleas Dangerous?
As they feed on the blood of a variety of animals, fleas can be dangerous to humans and pets alike, spreading bloodborne diseases and parasitic tapeworms. Fleas are the number one spreader of the bubonic plague. Other illnesses that fleas might spread to humans or pets include typhus, tungiasis, tularemia, bartonellosis, and flea tapeworms which can be fatal for animals. Moreover, fleas can also trigger allergies in at-risk people. Finally, flea bites leave small red welts on the skin that can become itchy. If you are to scratch these bites, they can become prone to secondary infections.
How Can You Keep Fleas Out Of Your Home?
To keep fleas out of your Frisco home and off of your property, you need to make your property less attractive to wildlife and other animals. This means removing food and water sources and sealing off entry points into your home. To accomplish these, you need to:
- Install protective fencing around fruit and vegetable gardens.
- Pick up any fallen fruit or veggies from your yard.
- Keep outdoor dining spaces free of food debris and trash.
- Pick up any uneaten pet food.
- Store trash in containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Seal any cracks in your home’s foundation.
- Install door sweeps under exterior doors.
- Cover any holes around your home’s exterior such as around vents, pipes, and utility lines.
- Store all food in airtight containers or in the fridge.
For More Flea Prevention Advice & Assistance
If you have any further questions about flea prevention, or if you are currently dealing with a flea infestation on your Frisco property, contact the professionals here at All-Safe Pest & Termite for assistance. Don’t let fleas threaten the health and safety of your family and your pets. Give us a call today.