There are more than 2,500 species of fleas in the world and more than 300 in the United States. However, you're likely to find only some of these species in your home. These pests are usually found on animals but can also transmit diseases to people. Charlotte pest control can keep these insects from negatively impacting your household. Read on to learn more about fleas and how to keep them out of your house.
Fleas: Facts and Identification
Fleas are only 1/12 to 1/6 of an inch long, dark brown or reddish-brown, and flat-shaped with large hind legs and backward-pointing bristles. They can jump long distances and feed off the blood of their hosts.
The most common domestic fleas are cat fleas. These insects are 1/8 of an inch and are the most common fleas found on pets. Despite the name, these are the fleas most commonly found on dogs.
Fleas are very hard to see because of their small size. The most common way to discover an infestation is flea bites or pets scratching themselves more than usual. If you see signs of fleas in your Charlotte home, you'll need the help of a professional pest control company to get rid of them.
Fleas Are A Health Hazard To Both People And Pets
Fleas in Charlotte are commonly associated with pets because they prefer to feed off animals. However, they'll bite people if they've infested a home without pets. Rather than seeing their potential hosts, fleas detect a person or animal by its body heat, movement, and vibrations caused by breathing.
These insects are a health hazard to any person or pet they bite. They can spread sickness by scratching infected feces into an open wound, but the most common way is by biting hosts. Some of the possible illnesses and parasites fleas spread to people include the following:
- Murine Typhus
- Tungiasis
- Tularemia
- Bartonellosis
- Tapeworm
In addition to biting, pets might ingest fleas by swallowing them, resulting in tapeworms. If you've suffered an infestation, Go-Forth Home Services provides the best flea control in Charlotte for your house.
Five Ways To Keep The Fleas Away
There are various ways in which fleas can get into your house. The most common way is by getting onto your dog or cat while they're outdoors. However, they can also come inside with furniture or clothing left outside or in your garage.
The best way to avoid a flea infestation in your home is to keep them from getting inside. It can be hard to spot these tiny creatures, so there's no guaranteed way to keep them from getting into your house. However, there are some things you can do to decrease the chances that fleas will invade your home. Some of these flea-prevention tips include:
- Regularly bathe and groom pets.
- Keep pets on year-round flea medication.
- Vacuum your floors frequently.
- Wash bedding regularly.
- Keep your pets on a leash while outdoors.
Even if you follow these tips, fleas might find their way into your house. Keeping an eye out for the signs of an infestation, like pets scratching constantly, will allow you to resolve an infestation quickly. If fleas get into your house, call a dependable pest control company like Go-Forth Home Services immediately to avoid potential health hazards.
What's The Best Way To Get Rid Of Fleas In My House?
Fleas can cause a big problem in your house, transmitting illnesses and parasites to people and pets. The best way to get rid of fleas is to call Go-Forth Home Services for help. Our technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to get fleas out of your house and yard. Call us today if you have fleas, and learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Charlotte.