Fleas are tiny, wingless insects that jump from host to host—and leave behind sore, itchy bites. If you have pets, you’re probably wondering whether they can bring fleas into your Bartlesville, OK house.
The truth is that if your pets have fleas, they’ll almost certainly bring them into your home. Flea infestations are difficult to get rid of without a pesticide, and they will bite both you and your furry companions. Here’s what you need to know about having fleas in your home:
- Even healthy pets can attract fleas: Some people think that their pet can’t get fleas because fleas prefer unhealthy hosts. While the latter is true, even the healthiest pet can find themselves with fleas. Feeding them a healthy diet and using a flea repellent is the best way to avoid the problem. Pro tip: flea collars were found to be the least effective repellent.
- Fleas can live inside, even in winter: Winter weather poses less of a flea risk than climates that are warm all year round, but they still can live inside during the winter. If your pet goes outside, they can still come into contact with fleas and bring them indoors. If you keep your home warm, you might find yourself with an infestation when you least expect it.
- Once inside your home, they’ll target upholstery and clothing: Fleas like to live in bedding, carpet, pet beds, upholstered furniture and other soft, warm places. However, they’ll also happily live in cracks and seams against the wall, around tile and more. It doesn’t matter how clean you keep your home—you’re always at risk.
- There’s never “just one flea”: If you’ve noticed one flea on your pet, chances are there are hundreds of eggs and immature fleas where that came from. It takes weeks to months for fleas to grow to the adult stage. Once you notice a single flea, it’s important that you start addressing the problem right away.
- Use a three-pronged treatment method: There are three ways you should attack a flea infestation. First, you need to treat your pet for fleas, since they’re most likely hosting a whole colony of invaders. Second, call a pest control company to help eradicate the fleas in your home and yard. These insects like to live in shady, dark spots like under trees, bushes and porches. Your exterminator will use an outdoor pesticide to create a “buffer zone,” and an indoor pesticide to get rid of the indoor infestation. By attacking the problem from all sides, you’re guaranteed better results.
- Be prepared: Sometimes flea infestations can take months to resolve. Ask your exterminator what to expect and what to do if the infestation reappears.
Now that you know fleas can live in your Bartlesville, OK home, be vigilant about checking your pets for fleas every time they want to come in the house—and call Excellence Pest Control if you need help getting rid of them. We’ve been serving area customers for nearly two decades and look forward to assisting you soon!