Protect Your Pets and Property From Fleas
Fleas are not only obnoxious to your pet, but can cause irritation, infection, and even transmit disease. They are parasites that feed on the blood of any warm-blooded body. By understanding fleas' behavior and habits, we can prevent them from causing an infestation in our homes. If you suspect a flea infestation at the Lake of the Ozarks, it is important to hire a flea control professional. Best Pest Control can rid your property of these pests. Below are ways to identify fleas and protect your pets and property from them:
Adult fleas draw blood from a host. They particularly prefer to feed on hairy animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, squirrels, raccoon, mice and other animals. Fleas do not have wings, although they are capable of jumping 150 times their own height.
A common indication of flea activity would be pets that repeatedly scratch and groom themselves. This is caused by the discomfort of the flea activity as the adult fleas feed on the pet’s blood. People also may experience bites which leave behind itchy bite marks. Adult flea feces, also can be a sign of flea activity. Flea feces is also called flea dirt because it looks similar to coarse ground black pepper and may be seen in pet beds, carpets, rugs and other areas where the animal host rests.
Homeowners should clean and vacuum regularly to help remove flea populations and to prevent them from laying eggs. Pet owners should practice active flea management by bathing and grooming pets regularly, visiting a veterinarian, and using flea control treatments according to directions. Wash and dry pet bedding frequently, as well.
A pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks can evaluate your home, including outdoor living area and ease of access to various areas of the house. Best Pest Control can determine if a re-infestation is likely, and recommend a treatment program if needed. If fleas are suspected on your property, please contact us today at (573) 348-1600.
Flea Behaviors and Habits
Signs of Fleas
Flea Threats
Fleas can carry and transmit several potential illnesses to pets and humans. Some flea-borne diseases include:
- Plague – transmitted by the Oriental rat flea.
- Flea-borne typhus, also known as murine typhus – transmitted by the bacteria-infested feces of infected cat fleas when they enter the body at the time of the flea’s bite or from scratching the area of the bite.
- Bartonellosis – Oriental rat flea and cat flea bites may transmit cat scratch disease to humans.
- Flea tapeworm – can be transmitted if children accidentally contact infected feces.
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