WHY PETS COULD STILL BE AT RISK OF FLEAS

Are you still protecting your pets from fleas? We aren’t out of the clear yet! Fleas are very active during the summer and fall months, but with the right conditions, they have the potential to be year-round pests.

Throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the most active season for fleas is April through December, but they can still thrive through the rest of the year. Mild temperatures and humidity, as we’ve had recently, encourage fleas to remain active longer. Once inside your home, its warmth will protect them and they’ll happily remain active and breeding.

Able to jump 7 inches high and 13 inches in length, fleas are great at finding your furry friends out in the yard and then hitching a ride indoors. However, it’s important to note that it’s not just those with pets that are at risk. Fleas have the potential to enter any home, pets or no pets. They could come in on you, on items you bring into your home, or on rodents. Therefore, it’s important that you still protect yourself against these pests.

How to Identify a Flea Infestation

The easiest way to identify a flea infestation if you have observed these tiny, jumping pests. You may notice them on your rugs or pets, on furniture or on your socks, in your bed, and elsewhere. Fleas breed at an alarming rate, so if you see a few there are likely to be many more that you can’t see. These bugs cause clusters of itchy, red bites on your skin. It’s common to notice these around your ankles. If your pets are constantly itching, that can be an indicator of a flea infestation, as well.

Not only do fleas cause itchy bites, but they have the potential to spread diseases. It’s more common for your pets to catch these diseases because their fur allows the fleas to live on them longer and feed more. However, humans can also be at risk. There are a wide variety of illnesses that can be spread by fleas, including tapeworm, murine typhus, and more. Therefore, it’s important to take flea infestations seriously.

How to Prevent a Flea Infestation

Preventing fleas is a difficult task. They can be relentless and, once they get in, the rate at which they breed can be exceedingly overwhelming. Contact your veterinarian to learn the best way to protect your pets. Encourage wildlife to move away from your property by repositioning bird feeders and trash bins a safe distance away from your home. If you have an existing infestation, contact professional pest control company, like Viking Pest Control.

At Viking Pest Control, we have the tools and know-how to rid your home of fleas. We will provide a customized flea control program that is designed to meet your home’s needs.