Pest Control Birmingham AL – Fleas 101
An Education on Fleas
If you have a pet in your home chances are at one time or another you’ve had a run in with fleas. The bad thing is once you get fleas in your home, it’s extremely difficult to get rid of them.
The absolute best thing to do is take precaution so that it never happens – but if it does just know that we’re a phone call away.
What do they look like?
They have three pairs of legs with small and flat bodies. Adults measure about an eighth of an inch and have dark reddish brown color. They are very hard to spot and move fast along the animal furred body. In order to grab them quickly, wet the animal’s hair or use a comb.
What do they consume?
They suck blood from warm blooded mammals such as humans and house pets.
Where do they reside?
After hatching and growing to adulthood, fleas use their powerful legs to jump onto a host where they remain at all times until discovered. They feed, mate and lay eggs on the host and spread even further. The eggs they produce may fall on carpeting, blankets and in crevices of furniture.
Are they dangerous?
Yes they are.
Not only do they cause discomfort after biting but they act as transmitters of diseases like bubonic plague. The condition is rare today but in the 14 century, it wiped nearly a third of Europe. They are also known to transmit thetyphus through rats to humans and also serve as intermediate hosts to tapeworms. Their saliva causes an allergic reaction to dogs and cats.
Pest Control Birmingham AL – 4 Tips on the Prevention of Fleas
- If you have a pet Vacuum the carpets and furniture frequently. Treat all bed linens regularly and remove any existing fleas.
- Monitor your pet for fleas constantly. If you see them scratching or doing constant licking there is a good chance they have fleas.
- If your dog(s) interact with other dogs bathe them immediately after.
- Wash their bedding on a regular basis.
- Stay up to date on their flea treatments, especially in warmer months.
If you have any questions about fleas or any pests for that matter we’re just a phone call away (205) 970-0577.
Horizons Professional Pest Control is a local, family owed business that has been proudly serving the Birmingham-metro area since 2000.
Horizons is licensed and bonded to provide a variety of services including: regular pest control services (monthly, bimonthly, quarterly), termites bonds, pest removal, flea treatments, bed bug treatments, mosquito and tick barriers, and german cockroach baiting services.
We want to keep your home safe from pests!