Flea Identification & Prevention

Fleas are external parasitic pests that feed on the blood of warm-blooded hosts, including both people and our pets. These pests can be found all throughout the United States, though some species are more common than others. In our area, the most common flea species that we encounter is the cat flea.

These pests are wingless, but have powerful back legs that allow them to quickly jump to great heights as well as specialized spines on their mouths, legs, and backs to prevent them from falling off of their hosts; fleas are about 1/8 of an inch in length, have flat bodies, and are typically black or reddish-brown in color.

Yes, fleas are considered dangerous pests due to the diseases and parasites that they have the potential to spread to both people and domestic animals.

While fleas may not be considered as dangerous as other pests found in our area, they still pose a threat, especially to our pets. First of all, the saliva of fleas can create an allergic reaction in some individuals that can cause severely itchy dermatitis which has the potential to lead to a secondary infection that will require medical attention. If pets have a severe flea infestation, the constant feeding of those fleas can cause anemia which can be very harmful. Lastly, fleas can also infect people and pets with parasitic tapeworms.

Fleas are commonly introduced onto properties by wild animals such as raccoons, skunks, squirrels, rodents, and even birds. Once on your property, they will hide out in the moist, shaded, and overgrown areas of your property until a new host, potentially you, your pets, or your children, happens by for them to attach themselves to.

If you have pets and they visit the veterinarian, a kennel, or a neighborhood park, they could come into contact with fleas and bring them back with them when they come home, introducing them onto your property or right into your home. In addition, when they invade, mice and rats often carry parasites like fleas in with them!

Fleas are most commonly found living outside in the following areas:

• In areas of tall grass
• In areas of dense vegetation
• In and around ditches
• Around pond areas
• Along fence lines
• Around the edges of wooded areas

In these areas, they lie in wait for an appropriate host to happen by that they can jump onto. These pests can be introduced into homes on people and pets, but may not be able to thrive indoors. However, this is still a threat as if they are introduced into your home, they may be able to attach themselves to you, your family members, or your pets without you knowing which poses the danger of you or your family potentially contacting the harmful diseases that they are known to spread.

Fleas are also typically found living outdoors. These pests enjoy moist, shaded areas, and often find their way into homes after jumping onto people or our pets. However, these pests also regularly find their way inside homes in used furniture or rugs that are infested with flea eggs or adult fleas. Fleas can live successfully inside, typically choosing to infest the areas around pet beds and the places where your pets spend most of their time.

To eliminate fleas found on your property or inside your home, it is best to partner with a pest control professional like the experts here at Baxter Pest Control. Our dedicated experts will provide the services needed to locate and eliminate the fleas that are infesting your home or property.

Baxter is committed to using the best products on the market to get rid of fleas and a variety of other household pests and will work to prevent them with our guaranteed Quarterly Perimeter Service. To learn more about our flea control services, contact us at Baxter Pest Control!

Besides investing in quality pest protection services for your home and property, one of the best things you can do to help prevent problems with fleas is to partner with your pets' veterinarian and place them on a year-round flea control program to keep your pets from carrying fleas into your home.

However, some additional ways to prevent problems with these parasitic pests include:

• Trimming back wooded areas from your property line and placing a stone barrier between any wooded areas and your lawn
• Keeping your grass cut short and trimming overgrown shrubs and landscaping on your property
• Removing bird feeders and other factors that could attract wild animals to your property
• Inspecting yourself, children, and pets for fleas before coming inside after spending time outdoors

To learn more about our services and how we can help protect your property from fleas, reach out to us!