Most people think of dogs and cats when they think of fleas, but these pests can affect humans as well. Flea bites are extremely itchy for both people and pets, and a flea infestation in the home is a serious problem.
Fleas are a common issue for West Chester homeowners, even those without pets. It’s important to be able to recognize signs of fleas and know how they enter homes, in order to be able to better prevent them. Continue reading to learn tips for flea identification, prevention, and control.
Signs Of A Flea Infestation In Your West Chester Home
Fleas are tiny insects, only a fraction of an inch long, so it can be difficult to spot them with the naked eye. They have strong legs that enable them to jump long distances and may occasionally be seen leaping through the air. Their bodies are covered in bristles, making it easy for them to quickly climb through hair or fur.
Since they are so small, it is more common to identify fleas by other telltale signs. One of the most common signs of fleas is flea bites, which appear as red, itchy bumps on the skin of humans and animals alike. Fleas can also cause hair and fur loss in people and pets, respectively. If you start to notice small black specks on carpets, furniture, or pet beds, this could be flea feces. You may also find flea eggs scattered throughout your home. Any of these signs will indicate that your home has a flea infestation.
If your West Chester home has fleas, don’t wait to take action. Fleas can make your pets miserable with itching and even cause anemia and give them parasites such as tapeworms. Fleas can also put your health at risk, as in rare cases, they can be transmitters of the bubonic plague and murine typhus.
All The Ways Fleas Get Into West Chester Homes
To effectively protect your home from a flea infestation, you have to understand how fleas enter homes in the first place. Fleas are typically introduced to a property through an animal host. This could be your dog or cat, a neighbor’s pet, or a stray. Fleas often lurk in tall grass and leap onto animals as they pass by. Dogs and cats that are not on flea medication will be even more vulnerable to these pests.
Fleas can also be introduced by wild animals that wander onto your property; raccoons, skunks, and rodents are all known to carry fleas. Once fleas are on your property, they may jump onto you or your pet and be carried into your home. Once the fleas are inside, it can be difficult to get rid of them, and you will likely need professional flea control.
Natural Flea Prevention Tips For West Chester Homes
Fleas are very common in West Chester and can be difficult to avoid entirely. However, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your property from fleas. Check out these helpful flea prevention tips:
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Keep your pets, including indoor cats, on flea medication throughout the year.
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If your pets do get fleas, take them to the vet for treatment as soon as possible.
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Keep your dogs and cats clean and well-groomed.
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Mow your lawn regularly as fleas like to hide in tall grasses.
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Deter rodents by trimming shrubs and trees and cleaning up yard debris.
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Address any wildlife issues on your property.
Flea prevention can save you time, energy, and money, and spare you and your pets from itchy flea bites. However, if you do have a problem with fleas, be sure to contact a pest control professional for flea control solutions.
The Trick To Getting Rid Of Fleas In Your West Chester Home For Good
If your home has a flea infestation, your best bet is to contact a professional pest control company. Masters Touch Pest Solutions can help you get rid of the fleas in your home for good. Without professional intervention, it is very difficult to fully remove fleas from your home. Luckily, Masters Touch Pest Solutions provides effective and affordable flea control in West Chester. After an inspection, our specialists will thoroughly treat your home for fleas, eliminating all traces of these biting pests.
In addition to seeking flea control for your home, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian. Your vet can treat your dogs or cats for fleas and provide year-round flea prevention. This will help protect against future infestations, keeping your pets happy and healthy and your home flea-free. A flea infestation is no fun for anyone. Masters Touch Pest Solutions can help you take your home back from fleas. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation estimate.
