You will hear people referring to flea season, but the idea of fleas having a season is a common misconception. Fleas are active year-round. Especially in Florida, where even the harshest of winter days is manageable for a flea. Well, do we have news for them! They might be able to handle a Floridian winter, but they won’t survive Bold Servicing's targeted attacks. We are determined to protect Tampa's furry population.
What Are Fleas?
Fleas are very small wingless, reddish-brown insects with three pairs of legs. They can jump onto their prey from great distances, especially considering their size. Fleas live, reproduce, and lay eggs directly onto their animal host. The eggs will drop off your pet and land on the carpet, on your furniture, or in your car. In domestic situations, dogs and cats are the most likely hosts. There are 300 types of flea common to the United States and 2,500 worldwide, the most common of all are cat fleas. It's your pets that suffer the most when it comes to flea bites. They can be dangerous and cause diseases. People at some risk for disease, but mostly suffer from the discomfort. Issues caused by fleas include:
Bartonella: This is a common flea transferred illness that affects both people and pets. It can lead to eye inflammation, seizures, and heart disease.
Tapeworms: While your pet is grooming or chewing on themselves, they can easily swallow a flea or two. This is how the tapeworms infections begin.
Infections: For both people and pets, excessive scratching can lead to a variety of skin infections.
Fleas can spread some nasty side effects but they are also amazing creatures. Interesting flea factoid- fleas can jump further than any other insect. If a typical human had the same jumping ability, they would be able to jump 295 feet across and 160 feet high.
Where Do They Come From
Fleas are everywhere in nature. They can hop onto an unsuspecting host pretty much anywhere outside. This can be a pet or a person. They are also carried along by rodents, wildlife, and neighborhood pets. Even if your pets never go outside they could still get fleas. This is why it is very important to have them regularly treated.
Prevention
If you allow your pets to venture outside, even in Tampa, they will inevitably pick up fleas. So how do you prevent this from happening?
Treat your pet with a appropriate medication for their type and size.
Plant flea repelling plants in the yard, mulch with cedar, and do not overwater the lawn.
Vacuum your carpet daily. If you suspect fleas add furniture as well. You can also sprinkle salt onto the carpet to dehydrate fleas and leave it overnight.
Launder pet bedding frequently.
Use over-the-counter or natural flea sprays.
Address the rodent or wildlife problems in your yard.
Fleas reproduce very quickly, making it difficult to contain an infestation. The average flea will lay between 400-500 eggs in its lifespan of four months. Those numbers are staggering especially when you factor in that a female flea begins laying eggs within 48 hours of its first feed. That is, thousands of fleas in your home in a matter of six months if you do not call for pest control assistance. Even if you do your very best to follow the above list, none of these methods are 100% effective against a flea infestation.
Collaboration
The most effective method for treating fleas is a collaboration between your veterinarian and Bold Servicing. Our combined efforts will have your home flea free in no time. Fido and Fluffy will be back to normal and you can stop itching your ankles. That sounds like a win! Call Bold Servicing today for a free flea extermination estimate.