There are some pests that you probably expect to encounter at one point or another around your Oklahoma City home, but there are others that are more out of sight and out of mind. One pest in the area that you might not think about much is the flea. Even pet owners can forget about these small parasites.
While pet owners have more cause for concern, even people who don’t have pets can get fleas. They mostly live on animals, but they can become a problem for humans as well. This is because they are parasitic and known for their bites. While these bites are definitely itchy and annoying, they are more than just that. Flea bites can also carry and spread pathogens and disease.
While it can be difficult to identify fleas by sight, knowing the basics of what they look like, and what to look for, is still useful. Here is a guide to the appearance of fleas:
- They are reddish-brown.
- They are extremely small and only reach up to about 3mm.
- They have longer back legs than front legs.
- They often just look like tiny red or brown dots on an animal’s fur.
Where Do Fleas Come From?
Similar to ticks, in the wild fleas will wait on things like bushes as they wait for an animal host to walk by. Unlike ticks, however, fleas rarely use humans as hosts. However, they can ride on humans and get inside by hitching a ride on items like clothing or secondhand furniture.
The most common way that fleas get inside is through wildlife and rodents. If you have wildlife in your yard, such as raccoons, or rodent infestations in your home, they could be carrying these parasites. Once fleas make their way inside their population will blossom as they quickly reproduce. Fleas also often use cats and dogs as hosts, so households with pets have an even higher risk of infestation.
What Is The Best Way To Prevent Fleas?
Fleas can leave both humans and animals with itchy, bumpy bite marks. What’s worse, these bites can also cause illnesses including typhus and cat scratch fever. They are also extremely unpleasant for any pet or human who has to deal with them.
Because of this, knowing how to help prevent fleas is important. While prevention methods aren’t always completely effective, they can lower the risk that you’ll have fleas in your Oklahoma City home. Here are some of the best ways to prevent fleas.
- Address wildlife populations that could be carriers of fleas by installing things like fences and floodlights.
- Focus on preventing rodent infestations that can also carry fleas by working with pest control professionals.
- Clear yard debris and keep your lawn mowed and maintained.
- If you have pets, make sure to work with your vet to keep them protected from fleas.
- Vacuum your home regularly.
- Check any second-hand furniture and clothing for signs of fleas before bringing it into your home.
How To Keep Your Family And Pets Safe From Fleas
Have you noticed signs of fleas on your Oklahoma City pets or around your home? Instead of dealing with these parasitic creatures on your own, contact the pest control experts at Thunder Pest Control, LLC. With over 25 years of experience, our technicians can provide prevention help and assistance. We even provide free over-the-phone quotes. Give us a call today to get started.
