What Are Fleas, Anyway?
Fleas are small but persistent pests that can cause discomfort and health problems for both humans and pets. They reproduce rapidly, and an infestation can quickly get out of control without professional intervention. At Accurate Pest Control, we have over 30 years of experience providing effective flea control services in San Antonio. Our expert team is dedicated to ensuring your home is flea-free and your pets are safe from these troublesome pests.
Fleas are small, wingless insects known for their ability to jump long distances relative to their size. They are external parasites that primarily feed on the blood of mammals and birds.
They have a flat, hard body that allows them to move easily through the fur, feathers, or hair of their hosts. Their mouthparts are adapted for piercing skin and sucking blood, which makes them efficient at extracting nutrients from their hosts.
They undergo complete metamorphosis, passing through egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with the adult fleas being the ones responsible for biting and feeding on blood.
Signs of a Flea Infestation
- Excessive Scratching: If you notice your pets scratching or biting themselves more than usual, it could be a sign of fleas.
- Flea Dirt: Small black specks (flea feces) found in your pet’s fur or bedding are a common sign of fleas.
- Visible Fleas: Adult fleas can sometimes be seen jumping on carpets, furniture, or your pet’s fur.
- Bites on Humans: Flea bites often appear as small, itchy red spots, usually on the lower legs and ankles.
How Did Fleas Get into My House?
Fleas can enter your house through various means, quickly establishing an infestation and causing discomfort for both pets and humans. These resilient pests are adept at finding ways to hitch a ride indoors and can rapidly multiply once they find a suitable environment. Understanding how fleas get into your house is the first step in preventing and addressing an infestation.
These are some of the most common ways a flea infestation can start:
- Pets: Fleas often latch onto pets like dogs and cats while they are outside, then are carried into the home where they can lay eggs and spread.
- Wildlife: Animals such as squirrels, raccoons, and rodents can carry fleas and introduce them to your property and, subsequently, into your house.
- Humans: Fleas can also attach to human clothing or shoes, allowing them to be inadvertently brought inside.
- Used furniture or carpets: Second-hand furniture, carpets, or other items can harbor flea eggs or larvae, leading to an infestation when these items are brought into your home.
- Neighbors: Fleas can travel from nearby infested properties, especially in shared living spaces like apartments or townhouses.
Addressing these entry points is crucial in preventing flea infestations. By contacting (210) 361-3586 for flea control services near San Antonio, you can take the first step toward ridding your home of these unwelcome guests.
Are Fleas Dangerous to People or Pets?
Fleas can cause significant health problems for both animals and humans. Their bites often result in itchy, red bumps that can lead to allergic reactions or secondary infections due to scratching. They can also transmit diseases such as plague and murine typhus to humans, as well as parasitic worms to pets.
One of the most common issues associated with flea infestations in pets is flea allergy dermatitis, a condition where animals develop an allergic reaction to flea saliva, leading to severe itching and skin infections. The presence of fleas in a household requires prompt attention to prevent these health issues and to ensure a comfortable living environment for all occupants.
Why Flea Control is Important
Fleas are not just a nuisance; they pose serious health risks. These tiny parasites can cause:
- Itching and Skin Irritations: Flea bites can lead to intense itching, skin rashes, and irritation in both humans and pets.
- Allergic Reactions: Some individuals and pets are allergic to flea saliva, which can cause severe itching, swelling, and even secondary infections from scratching.
- Transmission of Diseases: Fleas can carry harmful diseases such as tapeworms, murine typhus, and, in rare cases, the bubonic plague.
- Anemia in Pets: Large infestations can lead to anemia in pets due to significant blood loss, especially in small or young animals.
How to Prevent Flea Infestations
- Regular Pet Grooming: Keep your pets clean and use vet-recommended flea control products like collars, sprays, or topical treatments.
- Clean Bedding and Carpets: Regularly wash your pet’s bedding and vacuum carpets, upholstery, and cracks in the floors to remove flea eggs and larvae.
- Treat Your Yard: Keep your lawn trimmed and eliminate damp, shaded areas where fleas thrive. Consider professional outdoor flea treatments if your yard is prone to infestations.
How We Can Help You Control Fleas
Controlling a flea infestation requires a comprehensive approach, and our professional flea control services in San Antonio can provide the relief you need.
Here’s how we can help you control fleas in your home:
- Inspection: A thorough inspection of the home is conducted to identify areas where fleas are present and to assess the extent of the infestation.
- Treatment plan: Based on the inspection, a customized treatment plan is developed to address the specific needs of the household.
- Insecticide application: Professional-grade insecticides are applied to areas where fleas are likely to breed and hide, including carpets, furniture, pet bedding, and cracks and crevices.
- Environmental control: Measures are taken to reduce flea habitats by advising on proper lawn maintenance and outdoor treatments, as fleas often enter homes from outside environments.
- Follow-up visits: Scheduled follow-up visits ensure that the treatment is effective and to reapply treatments if necessary, breaking the flea life cycle and preventing reinfestation.
By addressing all aspects of the flea infestation, your problems with fleas can be over in no time!
Why Choose Accurate Pest Control?
- 30+ Years of Experience: With decades of experience in the pest control industry, we have honed our skills and expertise in effectively managing flea infestations.
- Safe and Eco-Friendly Solutions: We prioritize the safety of your family, pets, and the environment by using treatments that are both effective and eco-friendly.
- Licensed and Certified Technicians: Our team of highly trained professionals is licensed and certified to provide the best pest control services in San Antonio.
- Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed: We are committed to delivering excellent customer service and guaranteed results. If your flea problem persists, we will return for additional treatments at no extra cost.
Contact Us for Flea Relief
If your home is overrun with fleas or you’ve simply noticed a few hanging around, it’s always a good idea to contact a pest control professional as soon as possible. We at Accurate Pest Control are experienced pros who can help you address flea infestations at any level of severity.
With our knowledge, experience, and skill, we can provide the services you need to stop fleas dead in their tracks.
Send us a message online now to request a service as soon as possible.
Protecting Your San Antonio Business: A Guide To Commercial Cockroach ControlRead More
