Often, fleas can become a problem without a pet in or near the home. Squirrels, raccoons, and bats also carry fleas and can cause an infestation. Follow simple steps to rid the fleas inside and out and look to other pests as potential flea carriers.
Pest Control for Fleas
Vacuuming regularly in the home including along walls and under furniture removes up to 60 percent of flea eggs and nearly 30 percent of the larvae. Remove and replace vacuum bag regularly as fleas can still grow inside the bag itself causing another infestation.
Do not expect an infestation to be cleared up quickly. It takes time to rid the fleas altogether due to the life cycle beginning at the egg stage. While some products will get rid of adult fleas they miss the larvae or the egg resulting in more fleas.
Lawn Pest Control
If a pet's home is outdoors located near a shady damp area fleas will be able to survive and reproduce easily. According to the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, a temperature of 95 degrees Fahrenheit or more and humidity of 50 percent or less will kill flea larvae. It is advised to keep pet bedding dry and changed regularly.
It is sometimes questionable if fleas have infested the yard. A quick test can determine if the yard is infested. According to University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, pull on a pair of white socks preferably ones that come to the knee. Walk outside in the yard and around the premises wearing the white socks. If fleas are in the yard they can be seen on the white socks.
Dog houses, kennels, under porches, and anywhere pets lay or sleep is where greater attention should be placed when getting rid of the flea infestation. There are many pest control products on the market which can rid the yard of fleas. An outdoor pest control service can also be hired to take care of the problem.
Flea Control for Dogs and Cats
A sign of fleas on animals is excessive scratching. A simple flea can cause an infestation in only a short amount of time if left untreated. Keeping fleas off pets can tremendously reduce the flea population in the area. If there is no food supply for the fleas it will be hard for them to multiply and live.
Purchase a flea comb designed to remove fleas and eggs from pet hair. Comb pet daily with comb and place any fleas caught inside the comb into soapy water to be disposed of easily. Using flea control products directly on pets will aid in future infestations.
Pest control services can locate and seal areas of the home or building in which unwanted pests enter the home causing a flea infestation. Although pest control prices can be quite high, it is sometimes necessary to gain control on a pest problem. Once the problem is under control use precautionary measures to ensure a flea infestation will not again arise.
Sources:
Texas Agricultural Extension Service Website, "Controlling Fleas" (accessed October 4, 2010).
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.com, "Ridding Your Home of Fleas" (accessed October 4, 2010).
Annette Phillips - Annette Phillips is the Topic Editor for Natural Disasters. Phillips is also the author of Willow's Ride and a licensed Cosmetologist.
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