There are many pests that can be found in a Texas yard or home. One of these is a flea. Fleas are blood-sucking creatures that are not as big as ticks but can be just as dangerous in some cases. They can spread tapeworms and other parasites. They can also cause allergies, infections, and diseases such as bartonella and the bubonic plague, although these diseases are not that common in the United States.
Fleas are often found on cats and dogs. But even the best flea treatment may not prevent them all. You may still see these pests on your pet. If fleas get into your home, they can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time.
Flea collars and medicine on your pets can only do so much. And because fleas are so hard to see, it would be impossible to remove them all from your home even with a fine-toothed comb. That’s why you need professional pest control. Stride Pest Control can provide you with the assistance you need to make your home and yard pest-free. For expert Austin pest control and five-star customer service, give us a call today. We even offer same-day service.
Signs of a Flea Infestation
Is your dog or cat dealing with a serious flea infestation? Here are the signs:
- Sand-like droppings on your pet’s coat
- Tiny white flea eggs on your pet’s fur
- Excessive licking or scratching
- Abnormal hair loss
- Scabs
- Pale gums
- Tapeworms
Another common sign of a flea infestation is the presence of flea dirt. Flea dirt looks like black pepper and contains a mixture of dried blood (from the pet or human host) and flea excrement. You can easily identify flea dirt by placing the substance over a wet paper towel. If the particles spread out and dissolve into a reddish color, you may have fleas in your home.
Fleas will often feed on animals, but sometimes they will attack humans. This is why another major sign of a flea infestation is bite marks around human ankles. These are identified by small red dots grouped in clusters of two or three with a red halo around the centers.
Why Are Fleas So Hard to Get Rid Of?
You may think that getting rid of fleas is easy, but it’s really not. That’s because fleas multiply quickly. Even though a female flea only lives 30-90 days at the most, they are very prolific during that short period of time. They reproduce quickly, laying as many as 5,000 eggs. So if your dog or cat gets just a couple fleas, that number could quickly turn into a couple hundred in just a few days. It would be hard to thoroughly treat your pet for all these fleas.
Another issue is that fleas move quickly and can easily hide. They can jump 3 feet high, which means they can get on top of furniture and hide in curtains. It would be impossible to catch all these microscopic pests. Fleas are constantly jumping and hiding, so flea treatment can seem like a never-ending battle. That’s why professional flea treatment may be the most effective option in many cases.
What Does a Professional Flea Treatment Entail?
First we will advise you to do a few things to get rid of the majority of the fleas. This may include the following:
- Thoroughly bathe your pets with flea and tick shampoo. Use a flea comb outside to help remove the flea from your pet’s coat.
- Administer flea treatments to your pets. Your veterinarian can advise you of the most effective treatment.
- Vacuum your entire home, including furniture. Repeat this process daily for a few weeks.
- Wash all of your bedding. If the infestation is severe, it may be necessary to dispose of the bedding.
While many people choose the DIY option, hiring a pest professional to get rid of fleas is the more effective option. Here are a few benefits of using a pest control company:
- Effective treatment options.
- Safe handling of pesticides and chemicals.
- Expertise.
- Time.
Over-the-counter flea remedies only provide short-term relief and may not be as effective as the professional-grade chemicals and pesticides.
Over-the-counter flea treatments pose a health risk if handled incorrectly. Professionals know how to handle the chemicals they use.
A flea infestation can easily evolve into a more serious issue if not handled properly. When you hire a professional, they can attack the infestation immediately.
Addressing a flea infestation on your own can be time-consuming. Hiring a professional allows you to focus on other important matters.
When it’s time for your professional treatment, you and your pets may nee to leave the home for a few hours while your pest control professional works their magic. We will use a residual flea control product to control fleas and break the reproductive life cycle. The product will typically include adulticide to kill adult fleas and developing fleas on contact. An insect growth regulator will be used on developing fleas. These fleas will be unable to develop into an adult, so they cannot reproduce.
Next Steps
After professional treatment, you can prevent future infestations by:
- Placing your pet on an oral or topical flea medicine.
- Wash your pet’s bedding and blankets with soap and warm water.
- Regularly vacuum your home’s carpets to remove fleas and their eggs.
- Treat your yard with pesticides to keep fleas from breeding.
- Limit your pet’s activity in outdoor areas where fleas are common.
Contact Us Today
It’s bad enough when fleas get on pets. When they start feasting on the humans in the household, it can be a frustrating situation. Humans can get bitten and suffer from allergies, infections, and other diseases.
Stride Pest Control can help eliminate fleas and other pests from your home and yard. We act quickly so you can have peace of mind. To get started, schedule a free inspection. Fill out the online form or call (512) 777-1339 (Austin) or (210) 547-8410 (San Antonio).
