There are few things as disgusting as finding a hair in your mouth, especially when this happens during a meal. It’s probably a good thing fleas don’t have mouths large enough to get hairs stuck inside. These pests don’t mind hair, in fact, they prefer to be surrounded by it on the back of an animal. If you have never heard of fleas in Pensacola or considered the problems they cause to people and animals, we have some things you should know. Here is how fleas get into Pensacola homes and some simple strategies you can use to try to keep them out.
Where Do Fleas Like To Live?
Fleas are parasitic pests, meaning they require another living orgasm to survive. Specifically, they need the blood of a human or animal. To get this blood, fleas jump, climb, and sneak their way onto unknowing victims. Once aboard they will eat until full and then look for a place to settle down and lay their eggs. If a creature has enough fur, fleas will stay aboard and lay eggs at the base of hairs. If a creature does not have fur but instead has smooth skin, fleas will jump off and onto the ground where they will seek shelter until their next meal.
The Danger Of Fleas
Fleas do not seem like dangerous pests. Sure they bite, but is this really enough to cause concern? Absolutely. Fleas are what we call vector pests. Because they feed on blood, they run the risk of picking up and transmitting dangerous blood-borne diseases. If you are bitten by an infectious flea, you could get very sick. A few of the most common sickness vectors these pests carry and spread include murine typhus, tungiasis, and the bubonic plague.
How Fleas Get Into Homes
Fleas get into homes in one of two ways, on the back of an animal or by crawling in through a gap, crack, or other opening. Most often, fleas are brought inside by household pets such as dogs and cats. Other animals that bring fleas inside include rats, mice, squirrels, bats, and birds. If your home regularly has trouble with these invasive wildlife creatures, you are more likely to have trouble with fleas indoors. If fleas cannot find a creature to sneak in on, they might look for ways inside through cracks in your home’s exterior, gaps around window/door frames, rips in window/door screens, and spacing beneath doors. But this is very rare.
Some Ways To Prevent Fleas
The best way to prevent fleas without professional home pest control help is to make sure your home’s exterior is properly sealed and that your pets have the proper protection. Here are a few strategies to do just that.
- Fill in holes and cracks in your home’s exterior foundation and gaps around window/door frames using a caulking gun.
- Install door sweeps beneath exterior doors.
- Repair damage to your home’s siding, shingles, and roofline.
- Talk to your veterinarian about flea and tick control options for your cats and dogs.
The Benefits Of Professional Flea Control
The only way to effectively control fleas is to hire a professional. At EnSec, we use advanced pest control technologies and industry-leading strategies to combat fleas in and around your Pensacola home. If you need a flea infestation removed from your living areas or are looking for a way to protect your home through every season, we have your answers here.
Reach out to us now to find your answer to fleas or if you have any questions about other pests that cause trouble in our area.