Why Can't I Get Rid Of These Fleas In My Tampa Home?

Barely visible to the naked eye, able to propel themselves at a force of over 150 Gs for distances over a hundred times their body length, and just about near impossible to get rid of, fleas are one of the least welcome pests to be found on your pets or in your home. 

Unfortunately, the chances a homeowner in Tampa will have to deal with a flea infestation are very high. All it takes is just one infested dog or cat running through your yard or a deer coming over to nibble on some shrubbery, and you'll face trying to get these parasites out of your life. 

Unlike most other insects, fleas don't attach their eggs to the surface they lay them on, and an animal infested with fleas spreads eggs wherever it goes. Add to that fact once an egg develops into pupae (an inert larval form of a flea ), it can stay dormant for months. Eventually, it'll find a possible host by sensing its body heat, vibration, or even a change in the air's carbon dioxide levels. These facts are what make it so hard to get rid of fleas.

Add to that, each female flea can lay up to 50 eggs daily, transforming a single egg on your property into a full-blown infestation within weeks.

Let's look closer at signs of fleas in your home, the risks of their presence, how to get rid of fleas, and where to find quality pest control in Tampa if prevention and DIY approaches fail.

How Can I Tell If It's Fleas In My Home?

Fleas are tiny, less than 1/6 of an inch in size, usually dark or reddish-brown, with flat smooth bodies and oversized rear legs. They feed on animal blood and live in their fur.

Fleas reproduce by laying eggs which mature into larvae. Larvae go on to grow into pupae which within days become full-grown fleas. The visible adult fleas in your house are usually less than five percent of the total population.

Spotting adult fleas in Tampa is very difficult since they are so small and move fast, but watching for the following signs will help determine if you're dealing with fleas in your home.

• Your pets are scratching themselves more than usual.
• Flea bites on your skin.
• Small dark specks of flea feces on pet bedding or carpets.
• Pets are losing fur.

The sooner you determine that you're dealing with a flea infestation, the easier it'll be to clear them off your property.

How Dangerous Is It To Have Fleas In My House?

While fleas usually prefer to feed on animals, they will bite humans, and flea bites are known to cause allergic reactions in some people. Fleas also carry multiple pathogens, parasites, and illnesses they can transfer to humans and animals. Here are just a few:

• Murine typhus
• Tungiasis
• Tularemia
• Bartonellosis
• Tapeworm
• Anemia

The black plague, which killed off close to a third of the European population in the middle ages, is commonly blamed on rats, but the true culprits were fleas that hitchhiked on the furry critters.

Why Won't These Fleas Go Away?

All pests that intrude into your home are motivated by finding a reliable food source and a comfortable place to call home.

Fleas thrive in humid environments and temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees, making Tampa's climate ideal. Pets we keep in our homes are a reliable, albeit unwilling, food source; inside our homes, fleas don't have any natural predators to worry about.

To minimize your chances of dealing with fleas in your home, you can:

• Vacuum frequently to remove flea eggs.
• Bath your dogs often and groom them with an anti-flea comb.
• Wash pet bedding and dry it on high.
• Get rid of any other pests on your property that may carry fleas.

Unfortunately, once fleas are in your house, ridding yourself of them is difficult and most often requires professional help. 

How Do I Get Rid Of Fleas In My House For Good?

Sharing your house with fleas is a pain for you and your four-legged friends.

DIY methods of fighting fleas are dangerous and rarely effective, so getting a professional on the job is a good idea if you are struggling with a flea infestation.

A well-trained EcoSmart Pest Solutions technician will know the correct professional home pest control plan for your house and clear the little parasites out of your life.

EcoSmart Pest Solutions is a local family-owned pest control company with over 25 years in the industry. If your house has a flea infestation, call us today and request a free estimate.