You’ve been feeling itchy in your South Portland home, and you’re starting to suspect a flea problem in your humble abode. Flea bites are no joke, and you don’t want your kids to bring these critters to school with them. You need to get this problem taken care of ASAP! We’re going to tell you what fleas look like, how to kill fleas, and how to get rid of fleas in your South Portland home.
So do you have a flea infestation, or is your skin just crawling? Luckily, there are other signs you can look out for that indicate a nasty flea infestation. Fleas are about 2.5mm long, making them visible but small enough to be a giant pain. Their legs allow them to jump as far as 13in! They’re certainly a tiny pest with a mighty force.
If you have a pet in your home, notice their behavior around the house. Are they itching more than usual? Itchy pets are a good indicator that they’re dealing with a flea issue of their own. If they start to suffer from hair loss or alopecia, you can suspect fleas.
Take a look around your home to find other flea indicators. If you start to find flea eggs in your carpet, you’ve definitely got a flea problem. Throw on a pair of white socks, and drag your feet along the carpet. Make sure they’re long socks because fleas will hitch a ride on the sock as it passes by–showing you proof of these unwelcome guests. You might find “flea dirt” around your home, which has a red-brown or black hue. If you’re finding flea dirt and flea eggs in your home, you’re in trouble.
Inspect yourself while you’re at it. If you’re constantly scratching, finding welts on your body, and seeing flea bites on your ankles–you’ve got fleas! Flea bites on the ankles will have one very tiny puncture wound–as opposed to a spider bite, which would have two puncture wounds.
If you begin to notice small bumps on your body or patches of painful welts, you better call an exterminator.
The Danger Fleas Bring To Your South Portland Home
Besides itchy skin, having fleas in your home brings a well-worth of dangers into your house. Fleas aren’t just annoying–they’re disgusting too! Fleas spread disease and parasites. Diseases like typhus and the bubonic plague come from fleas, so they’re nothing to joke around about.
If you ignore a flea infestation in your home, your pet could be in tremendous danger. Fleas feed on the blood of their hosts, so your pet could become anemic if it’s infested with fleas. Your pet could also develop heartworm or tapeworm, which can also infect humans!
Why Fleas Come Into South Portland Homes
So why do fleas come into your South Portland home in the first place? It’s not like you invited them or anything. Discovering where your flea infestation has come from will help you combat the infestation and prevent further flea issues from arising in your home.
The most common way for a flea to enter your home is by hitching a ride on your pet. Fleas often latch onto cats and dogs, which bring them right through the doggy door. Pets aren’t the only method of transportation for fleas–they also sneak into your home on old furniture. They can also enter your house through the clothing or skin of a person that is already infested with fleas.
How to Get Rid Of Fleas And Keep Them Out
Now that you know the nasty details of flea infestations, you want to know how to get rid of fleas in your South Portland home for good. It’s unlikely that your flea infestation came from your pet. Most flea infestations stem from eggs, larvae, and cocoons located throughout your home. So this is where you need to tackle the problem head-on. You should give your pet a flea treatment and treat its living environment as well.
The first thing you can do to get those fleas packing is grab your trusty vacuum. Suck up the dirt and eggs in the crevices and cracks throughout your home, and use a vacuum with a detachable bag so you can remove its contents once you’re done. Get access to a steam cleaner and disinfect your home with ease. Make sure to steam your pet’s bed and accessories, and wash all of your bedding in hot water while you’re at it.
To get rid of fleas in your yard is another story. Take a look around your yard and identify the spaces that are shady, humid, and warm. Those are the places where fleas are most likely to hide. Also, take note of your pet’s favorite hangout spots. Fleas tend to gravitate towards the location where your pet is going to lay down for a rest.
Once you’ve established these key areas, you're ready to get started. Make sure you’re mowing your lawn regularly, so fleas don’t have any high grass to hide in. Remove your backyard of any debris like leaves or twigs, which is a perfect spot for fleas to hide. Spreading cedar chips in the areas where your pet likes to lay down and in your flowerbed will also deter fleas from hanging around.
Big Blue Bug Solutions Will Keep Fleas Out Of Your South Portland Home
Now that you know how dangerous a flea infestation can be for your South Portland home, you better get moving on those preventative efforts. The best way to ensure that your home is free of its flea infestation is by calling a professional like Big Blue Bug Solutions.
Give Big Blue Bug Solutions a call for an evaluation of your South Portland home. We’ll figure out if you have a flea infestation, and we’ll help you rid your home of these nasty critters. We’ll even bring a treat for your pet too. Reach out to us today to learn more about our year-round pest control options!