Fleas are pretty gross; just hearing the word “flea” can make your skin crawl. They’re tiny freeloaders that make their way into new environments (i.e. your home) by latching onto everything from mammals, clothing, and other items like blankets. Once they get inside your Oklahoma City home, fleas will tend to reside in places like furniture, beds, and carpeting. But don’t be fooled; they are happy to lay their eggs even in your hardwood floors. These tiny parasites feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body and their bites can transmit several diseases and irritate allergies in humans and pets alike.
Where Do Fleas Come From?
If you have ever wondered where fleas come from and how they enter your home, the answers are rather simple. Fleas originate from another infested animal. They then spread with ease between different animals and then make their way into your home on the backs of your cats and dogs. Fleas are commonly referred to as “freeloaders” or “hitchhikers” because they enter your home on the backs of other mammals or by taking a free ride on your clothes. These hitchhikers take their ride on wildlife, rodents, or pets, but don’t be fooled, even if you don’t have pets, you can still develop a flea issue in your Oklahoma City home.
Outside of the home, fleas are most commonly found in shady areas, among long grass or bushes, while they sit around and wait for a good host to pass by. And because they can survive without a blood meal from a host for up to three months, they continue to remain a threat even when they are not latched onto your pet.
How To Prevent Fleas In Your Home
Once fleas are in your home, they are very hard to kick out. By now you know that they truly are freeloaders and that they can live for months without food, so if they have made themselves at home, they have no reason to leave if they can wait around for a blood meal, and will most likely find one. Here are a few key ways that you can try to keep fleas out of your home:
- Make sure to treat your pets year-round for fleas, amongst other pests like ticks. Not only is this method crucial for their own health, but it is also a straightforward deterrent for fleas and cuts down on their ability to be transported on animals. Partner with your veterinarian for flea and tick treatment that’s appropriate for your pet. To further protect your pets and your home, be sure to check pets thoroughly for fleas after spending time outdoors, and wash pet bedding and toys frequently.
- Deter wildlife and rodents on your property, as fleas can travel on these animals as well. Keeping your lawn properly landscaped by mowing the lawn, keeping foliage trimmed, and removing sites of moisture.
- Maintain a clean, sanitized home, as fleas thrive in less-than-tidy conditions. Vacuum carpets, floors, and furniture frequently, and wash bed linens regularly.
For more assistance with flea prevention, contact the professionals at Thunder Pest Control today!
