Your Frequently Asked Questions Answered: Fleas
Although fleas are best known for making dogs itch, these pesky critters can also invade your home and cause discomfort for the entire family. These six-legged parasitic insects thrive in warm conditions, particularly in southern regions like the Triad, and can get comfortable with almost any living host. Spotting them can be tricky, and getting rid of them can be even more difficult. But you can get a leg up on these bugs with just a little bit of information and with the help of a Greensboro pest control professional. Read on to learn more!
How do I know if there are fleas in my home?
Fleas can be subtle, but if you know where to look, they can be easy to spot. If you are worried about a flea infestation, check for the signs. One telltale sign is the appearance of black spots on your white socks – these are the fleas themselves attached to your clothing. If you try to touch the black spot and it disappears, it likely jumped in fear of your approach. In addition, if you have noticed small, itchy, red spots on your ankles or lower legs, those are likely flea bites.
When are fleas most likely to attack?
Fleas can attack at any time, but they are most likely to attack after you have been away for an extended period of time. It’s also common for our Greensboro pest exterminators to get calls from people who have recently moved into a rental home. If the previous owner had pets and you don’t, then the fleas will search for a human host.
How did the fleas get into my house?
Fleas can pop up from many sources and can find many avenues to get into your home. In North Carolina, the most common ways fleas get into your house are as follows:
- The most common source of a flea infestation is from your pets. Cats and dogs are prone to fleas in general, and when they come into your home, they can bring the uninvited guests along with them. For this reason, it is important to have your pets checked regularly for fleas, even if they are showing no signs or symptoms. If fleas are found, you should follow your veterinarian’s instructions, which might include flea treatments and preventative measures.
- If you don’t have pets, another reason you could have fleas in your home is the previous tenant. The person there before you may have had fleas, and may not have even noticed them if the bugs were feeding on their pets instead of people. Then, once the tenant was gone and you moved in, the fleas found a new host.
- The final reason for your infestation could be animals other than your pets. Check your home for squirrels in the attic or rats in the basement or around your home. Animals like raccoons, opossums, and other wildlife could be carrying fleas into your home without your knowledge.
Get Rid of Fleas and Keep Your Family Safe
To get fleas out of your house, you can try these tricks at home:
- Wash and dry pet bedding (or other washed materials) on high heat for a minimum of 30 minutes. Make sure that you are thorough, just a few surviving fleas can reproduce enough to start an entire new infestation.
- Sprinkle insect growth regulator around your home. IGRs will not only kill the bugs but will also get down into your carpet and other areas where larvae and eggs may be hiding and take care of those too.
- Vacuum your home thoroughly. Your vacuum is one of your best weapons against fleas. While you are washing all the items you can, use your vacuum to go over every surface in your home where fleas could be lurking. (Pro tip: be sure to empty the vacuum in a sealed bag and take outside immediately!)
To Keep Fleas Away for Good, Call the Professionals
When it comes to fleas, home remedies most likely won’t do the trick. These bugs are prolific, and while you may be able to get rid of the adults, larvae and eggs could be hiding almost anywhere.
To truly get rid of all the fleas in your home, professional treatments are the best way to go. Terminix Triad can help get rid of the bugs and keep them out for the long haul. Check out our local pest control in Greensboro and surrounding areas of the Triad and Piedmont and learn how Terminix Triad can keep you and your family safe from fleas.