The Key To Total Flea Control For Brandon Homes

Pests like fleas can jump into our lives whether we like it or not. While there are many ways to prevent and control an infestation, the key to successful pest control in Brandon is knowledge. 

Habits And Behaviors Of Common Fleas

There are more than 2,500 species of flea worldwide. Fleas are tiny, flightless external parasites; they mostly target mammals and receive nutrients by sucking their hosts' blood. Their narrow bodies make them adept at wading through animal fur and their large hind legs allow them to perform powerful jumps. Fleas are capable of leaping more than 50 times their body length. 

Fleas go through four distinct stages in their lifetime. Depending on the species of flea, a female will lay up to several thousand flea eggs in their life. Within two weeks the eggs hatch and the flea larvae emerge. The larvae will eat whatever is accessible, from feces to plants and dead insects. Within three weeks, larvae enter the pupa stage. At this point, they create a cocoon in order to undergo their final metamorphosis into an adult. The adult flea will only live a few months. As such, their greatest goals are finding a host and producing offspring.

How Fleas Are Harmful To Both People And Pets

Brandon residents would be forgiven for believing that fleas are the blight of pets and cattle alone. Oftentimes, fleas are framed as a pest from which to protect our pets. However, fleas can target humans, just as they do all other mammals. 

Fleas can find a host by detecting movement, breathing, and body heat. Fleas are a common vector of disease. Once they find their host, they can transmit germs during feeding. These diseases may be present in the flea's saliva or enter the flea bite when the host scratches the area. Fleas can carry many diseases, such as:

• Typhus - a disease that induces rashes, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
• Tapeworms - fleas can carry tapeworm, which can be transmitted to humans if an infected flea is swallowed. Children and pets are at the greatest risk.
• Cat scratch disease - a disease that is transmitted to a cat by an infected flea. The cat can then transfer this bacteria to humans via a scratch or a bite. Symptoms include blisters, swollen lymph nodes, and fever.
• The plague - the most infamous disease that fleas spread. Infected fleas may directly infect humans or infect small rodents, which in turn infect humans. The symptoms include fever, chills, weakness, and swollen lymph nodes or buboes.

In pets, fleas can also lead to hair loss, dermatitis, and anemia. It is important to watch for the signs of fleas, like flea dirt (feces), itchy skin, and rashes to protect yourself and your pets from fleas.

Four Eco-Friendly Flea Prevention Tips For Around The House

It is better to avoid fleas in the first place, rather than battling to get rid of fleas. The best way to avoid fleas is to prevent them from entering your home. There are a few things homeowners can do to safeguard themselves and their pets from fleas:

1. Avoid contact with wild or stray animals; there is a high chance that wild animals and strays are carrying fleas that could be passed to you or your pet.
2. It is important to check your pets for fleas regularly during brushing and bathing. 
3. If you will be going out into the woods or tall brush, keep your arms and legs covered and wear gloves if you have to handle a dead animal. 
4. Keep the interior and exterior of your home clean; clean bedding often, sweep and vacuum frequently, and keep your lawn mowed down low.

These four, easy steps will go a long way to avoid fleas on your Brandon property.

The Most Effective Flea Control For Brandon Homes

Of course, if an active flea infestation is occurring at your Brand home, the best thing to do is contact a professional. Fortunately, pest control in Brandon is made simple with experts like Ecosmart Pest Solutions. Ecosmart Pest Solutions has over 25 years of experience to ensure that your home is pest-free. Give us a call today!