Should I Be Worried About Flea Infestations In West Chester, PA?
October 8, 2021
While there are over 2,500 species of fleas, the most common are cat fleas, which are the ones that infest both cats and dogs. However, don’t fall for the common misconception that you can only have a flea infestation if you have pets. This isn’t true because any home can have fleas.
Fleas are difficult to see with the naked eye, so unlike other pests, the first signs of fleas are not the pests themselves. Instead, initial warning signs to look for include:
- Pets scratching excessively
- Pets biting themselves excessively
- Pets experiencing sudden hair loss
- Pets have become restless
- Irritated and red skin on both pets and people
- You might notice itchy bites on your ankles
If you see any of the signs listed above, you should take immediate action as your pets will be in distress, and leaving the infestation active will only make it worse.
To reiterate, you don’t need to have pets to have fleas, which is why all West Chester residents should know more about this pest, the problems they cause, and how to prevent them from happening.
Are Fleas A Big Deal?
Since fleas are a common pest problem, many people don’t think they are a big deal. But this isn't the case, as fleas can be dangerous to both people and pets.
Other than causing significant distress, fleas can cause:
- Bartonella- a disease commonly transmitted by fleas that can cause seizures and affect the heart and eyes. If a cat with a flea problem scratches a person, they can become infected. This is known as cat scratch fever.
- Tapeworms- a parasite that can significantly affect your pets health and even peoples
Please don’t take your chances when it comes to fleas. Instead, implement several easy tips to keep you and your pets protected.
Can I Prevent Fleas?
Even while keeping your grass cut short and utilizing a three-foot-wide barrier of rocks between your property and any wooded or open fields, this isn’t enough. When it comes to preventing fleas, you want to consider the wildlife on your property. There is a high chance that if your pet has fleas, they came into close contact with a wild animal carrying them. This is why a big part of flea prevention is deterring wildlife. To do this, you should:
- Remove food sources like bird feeders and fallen fruit.
- Don’t leave any food out for squirrels or deer.
- Make sure your garbage cans have lids that fit and cannot be knocked over easily.
- Eliminate water sources like birdbaths, leaky faucets, and standing water.
Another essential part of preventing fleas is protecting your pets, which can be done with the assistance of your veterinarian, monitoring where your pet hangs out in your yard, bathing them regularly, and cleaning their bedding and the surrounding area often.
If you know you live in an area that provides conditions for fleas, such as warm, moist locations, you should inspect your pet and your children before entering your home.
Who Can Help With Fleas?
The best form of flea protection is with a collaborated effort between your vet and pest control professional. If you live in the West Chester area, you should contact Masters Touch Pest Solutions. No pest is too small for us to handle, which is why our services are guaranteed.
With Masters Touch Pest Solutions, you can expect the best home pest control services possible, including re-treatments between scheduled visits, and if there is a problem, our services will be free of charge.
Don’t let fleas or any other pests take over your home, give us a call today to get started with an inspection and necessary treatments.
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