What are fleas?

Fleas are ectoparasites that feed on the blood of people, pets, and wild animals using specialized mouthparts. Unlike mosquitoes, both the male’s and female’s consume blood meals. Fleas are small in size and are often mistaken for a speck of dirt. Fleas’ hard bodies are dark reddish-brown in color, and they are wingless. They use their large and powerful hind legs to jump great heights and get out of the way of danger. Fleas can become an issue on any property or inside any home.

Are fleas dangerous?

Fleas are dangerous, as they transmit diseases and parasitic tapeworms, which can be passed on to both humans and animals. Flea saliva may create an allergic reaction that can cause severe, itchy, dermatitis. The constant scratching from flea bites can lead to a secondary infection that requires medical attention. A pet that is severely infected with fleas can develop anemia, which can cause your pet to become lethargic and ill.

Why do I have a flea problem?

Fleas are most commonly introduced onto properties and into yards by wild animals. Once on your property, they will remain there until a new host passes by that they can attach themselves to. Often the new host is your pet, who then introduces the fleas into your home. Fleas can also be brought into homes on the clothing of people who have unknowingly come into contact with them. Another common way that fleas find their way inside is on rodents or other wildlife that are nesting in a home’s attic, basement, or behind its walls. Fleas can also be brought into a home on a used piece of furniture or on a rug that is infested with their eggs or larvae. If you do not own pets, but the previous owners of your home or apartment did, flea eggs may be lying dormant. When the proper environmental factors are reached the eggs will hatch and a flea infestation will occur.

Where will I find fleas?

Outside
Fleas prefer to live outside in shady, moist areas that pets and animals frequent, and where organic material is present. Flea populations are often found where there are high grasses, under leaves, or in the dirt underneath of shrubs and bushes.
 
Inside
Fleas living inside are more often than not living on our pets and in the areas where they spend most of their time. Fleas and their eggs are found in the cracks of floors, in upholstered furniture, and in rugs.

How do I get rid of fleas?

To eliminate invasive fleas from your home or business, partner with a professional pest control company. At Proven Pest Management, we offer customizable and flexible pest management services that will completely solve your flea problem. Our highly trained professionals offer property owners personable and personalized flea control services at an affordable price. To learn more about the flea control services we provide throughout Tennessee and Mississippi, call Proven Pest Management!

How can I prevent fleas in the future?

To prevent problems with fleas on your property, try the following:

  • Place your pets on a year-round flea and tick control program under the guidance of their veterinarian.
  • Keep your lawn cut short and prune overgrown shrubs or bushes.
  • Remove bird feeders from your property that could attract rodents and other wild animals to it.
  • Inspect yourself, your children, and your pets for fleas before coming inside after spending time outdoors.
  • Regularly vacuum areas where your pets spend most of their time and routinely wash pet bedding.
  • Do not purchase used furniture or rugs for use inside your home.


Contact Proven Pest Management to schedule your service today!