Smash Pest Control Can Finish Off Your Flea Infestation for Good
Fleas are more than just a nuisance for your furry family members – they pose a major health risk to your entire household. The tiny, blood-sucking pests are capable of transmitting harmful diseases like typhus and the plague and as long as they’re in your home, you can’t feel safe. You don’t have to worry for long because the Smash Pest Control team is here for you. With our expertise and targeted treatments, we offer effective solutions to eliminate your flea infestation.
What Do Fleas Look Like?
Fleas are small, wingless parasites that feed on warm-blooded hosts. Adult fleas prefer to live directly on their chosen host, but they can also nest in nearby carpets, bedding, pet beds, and upholstered furniture. Fleas are only about one to four millimeters in length. Their minuscule size and dark brownish-red coloring make them difficult to see with the naked eye.
Fleas have flattened bodies, which aids them in navigating through fur or feathers to latch onto their hosts. Although they don’t have wings like other common household insect pests, they do have very powerful hind legs and they’re known for their incredible leaping ability. Fleas can jump up to 200 times their body length to travel between surfaces and hosts.
How Do I Know if I Have Fleas?
Since fleas are quite small, you may not know they’ve moved in for some time. Fortunately, there are some early warning signs that you can keep an eye out for:
- Your pet is scratching more than usual. If your pets are scratching, biting, or licking themselves more often, it could be due to fleas. Check their fur for fleas or for small, dark specks that could be flea droppings – commonly called flea dirt. Pay special attention to the back, neck, and base of their tail.
- You find flea dirt on furniture and pet bedding. You may find flea dirt – which resembles ground pepper – on your pet’s fur, bedding, or carpeting. How can you tell flea dirt from regular dirt? Get a paper towel, wet it a little, and use it to wipe up the specks. Flea dirt contains digested blood so if it turns reddish-brown on the towel, it’s probably fleas.
- You have red bites or rashes. Fleas don’t discriminate when it’s time for a meal. If they can’t get to an animal, they’ll happily dine on you. When fleas bite humans, they leave behind small, red, itchy bumps. These bits can typically be found in clusters around the feet, ankles, and legs.
I Don’t Have a Pet, Can Fleas Infest My Home or Business?
You’ve chosen a pet-free life and you should be in the clear regarding fleas, right? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. You can easily pick up fleas if you spend time in areas frequented by animals. Those nature walks are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s also an opportunity for fleas to stow away on your clothes or bags.
You should also remember that wild critters are a major attractant for fleas. House mice don’t get regular veterinarian checkups and don’t have the benefit of preventive flea care. If you have a rodent problem, fleas can find their way onto your property.
How Long Can Fleas Live Without a Host?
On average, fleas can live one to two weeks without a host but that lifespan can be extended under the right conditions. Although they won’t be able to reproduce, adult fleas can survive as long as three months in cool, humid temperatures. Eggs are another matter as they can go into a dormant state for several months, waiting for the ideal environmental conditions to hatch.
Are Fleas Dangerous?
Most people are aware of the itch produced by flea bites, but they aren’t just irritating. They can also transmit several disease-causing organisms to humans, including flea-borne typhus and plague, but fortunately, these diseases are rarely seen in Tennessee. They can transmit dog tapeworm which can be very dangerous to pets. Humans can also be infected if they accidentally consume an infected flea adult.
Keep your furry friends safe from the attacks of these voracious pests. Contact the pest professionals at Smash Pest Control.
How Do I Get Rid of Fleas?
At Smash Pest Control, we suggest our yard pest control package that targets fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. An annual treatment can prevent fleas from invading your property and harming your loved ones. If there is already an infestation underway, our yard pest control package can be used in combination with veterinarian-recommended flea treatments for your pets and good hygienic practices.
Proven Flea Control Methods That You Can Trust
Fleas are a serious problem for pets and humans. Don’t waste valuable time with attempts at DIY flea control that will worsen the infestation, call Smash Pest Control instead. Our team has the expertise and knowledge to eradicate fleas from your home or business. Get your free quote online or give us a call at 615-551-4029 to schedule an inspection.
Our convenient Pest Guide can educate you about ticks and their danger to humans.