Did you know that fleas bite humans as well as pets? These pests can cause significant itching and annoyance. Homeowners should know where fleas are likely to bite humans and how to identify flea bites.
The fastest and most effective way to control a flea problem is to work with a professional pest control service. The experts have the experience and tools to control fleas.
Where Do Fleas Bite Humans?
When you think about flea bites, you most likely think about them biting animals such as pets. However, these pests also bite humans and can quickly become a major annoyance for homeowners. Homeowners can even notice that they have fleas in the house but no pests.
Fleas are known for biting humans and animals for a blood meal. When you have a flea problem, the biting can feel relentless.
Humans can experience flea bites on any part of their body; however, fleas are more likely to bite on the lower extremities because they are easily accessible from the ground. That said, if fleas are living in a couch or another piece of furniture, they could easily bite humans wherever there is exposed skin.
The most common places on the body to discover flea bites are calves, feet and ankles. Fleas are skilled jumpers and often move between these three areas of the lower body.
How to Identify Flea Bites
Flea bites look similar to mosquito bites; however, they have one main characteristic that sets them apart. Flea bites consist of a central red spot surrounded by smaller red bumps. The central red spot, caused by the flea’s feeding tube, is the best way to tell whether a bite is from a flea or a mosquito.
Flea bites also look similar to red welts. They are raised from the skin and are known for being very itchy. However, scratching them could lead to an infection. It’s best to wash the flea bites with a gentle soap and apply an ice pack to the area to reduce the swelling. Next, apply an anti-itch cream to reduce the need to itch.
How to Deal With a Flea Infestation
If fleas have taken over your property and are bothering you with their itchy bites, you need to take action against them. While you can try several at-home remedies to try to control the population, working with a professional pest control service will yield the fastest results.
An expert will inspect your home to find the source of the flea infestation. These tiny pests hide in tiny crevices that are difficult to identify without prior experience. Next, an expert will use targeted, professional-grade treatments to control the fleas. In order to control the entire population, it’s crucial to treat fleas at different stages of their life, which requires professional tools.
Contact a pest control service if you’re ready to kick fleas off your property.
Can Fleas Survive in Water?
It is a common misconception that dropping fleas in water can effectively control a flea problem. Fleas have tough and water-resistant exoskeletons, which give them the ability to float. They can survive for up to seven days when dropped in water by floating on the surface.
Once fleas are submerged in the water, they can only survive 24 hours. However, there are several reasons why this is not an effective pest control method for fleas.
It’s important to remember that the key to controlling a pest population, including fleas, is to control the pest throughout its life cycle. Water submersion may kill off some adult fleas, but it will not deal with the flea larvae or eggs on your property that have yet to grow into the adult phase.
Flea treatment must include professional tools to be effective and prevent repeat problems in the future.
The Effect of Fleas on Pets
Fleas can quickly annoy your pets. One of the best ways to stop fleas from harassing your pets is to get them groomed regularly. Brushing your pet’s hair with a fine tooth comb can help remove fleas.
It’s important to note that giving your pet a water-only bath is not enough to control fleas. Luckily, there are excellent flea shampoo options for animals.
Next, use flea treatments that your veterinarian recommends to you. Several treatment options include flea collars, topical treatments and oral treatments.
You should also inspect your pets’ bedding for fleas. Washing their belongings regularly will kill off any unwanted pests. Vacuuming your home, especially if you have carpet, will also help control fleas.
Lastly, seek help from a professional pest control service to help ensure your pet’s comfort. An expert can control the flea colony at the source so your pet no longer has to suffer from itchy and dangerous flea bites.
When are Fleas Most Active?
Fleas are active all year long. However, if it seems like you or your pets experience an uptick in flea issues during the summer months, it’s because warm temperatures create an ideal environment for flea activity.
While you can experience flea bites at any time of year, these pests are the most active in the warmest months of the year because they prefer a warm and humid climate.
If you are already dealing with a flea infestation during the colder months, it’s important to deal with it immediately. Otherwise, you might have a much larger problem on your hands by the time the weather warms up. Homeowners in climates that experience warm weather for most of the year must be especially proactive about flea control.
How to Limit Fleas in Your Home
The best way to deal with a flea problem is to work with a professional pest control service. However, there are also steps that homeowners can take to help manage the flea population and give them less of a chance to grow their population.
The following methods should be practiced all year round to limit fleas, and even more so during the warm months.
First, treat your pets with flea-control products approved by your veterinarian. Groom your pets regularly and take them to the vet if you suspect a flea problem has gotten out of hand.
Next, vacuum your home regularly, especially your carpet and rugs. Consider washing other fabric around your home where fleas could hide as well. You should also regularly vacuum and wash pet bedding and other areas your pets use often.
It’s also important to keep your outdoor area clean to deter flea activity. There are many places where fleas can hide, including tall grasses, yard debris and other vegetation. Keeping your lawn trimmed and neat can help reduce fleas before they become a major problem.
Lastly, it’s best to bring in professional pest control to treat your flea problem. When it comes to fleas, it’s essential to stay ahead of the problem instead of waiting for an infestation to take over your property, especially during the summer months.
Kick Fleas Off Your Property With Expert Pest Control Assistance
Fleas are relentless pests that can leave you and your pets with itchy bites. Additionally, the bites can turn into infections and spread diseases. As a homeowner and pet owner, taking flea prevention seriously is crucial.
There are several things that homeowners can do to limit flea activity on their property, such as vacuuming regularly and keeping their lawns trimmed. However, the best way to deal with a flea problem is to call in expert pest control services. Professional-grade treatments and experience with fleas are required to control a flea colony at the source.
ABC Can Resolve Your Flea Problems
Keeping fleas at bay takes a lot of time, effort and knowledge. The most effective way to handle a flea infestation is to call in a professional. The pest control pros at ABC Home & Commercial Services can control flea invasions by treating inside your home and in your yard. We have been controlling fleas for decades, and can even inspect your home for signs of potential infestations.
