Fleas are terrible insects to have in your home. They feed on the blood of mammals, and they can bite you as well as your dogs and cats. If fleas are in your home, you may notice bites around your ankles and lower legs. You might even see these tiny insects jumping. Because they are so small, they can look like little dark dots. Dogs and cats may scratch quite a bit when fleas are biting them. If you think you have a flea problem, it’s important to call a good Tulsa Pest Control company to eliminate them. Let’s take a look at fleas and how they operate.
Fleas are capable of jumping remarkable distances compared with their body size. Some can jump many times their own height and length. Their jumping ability comes from powerful leg muscles working with elastic structures that store and release energy, much like a coiled spring. When a flea jumps, it launches itself into the air and can reach an animal passing nearby. Once it lands, its legs and claws help it hold tightly to the animal’s fur. Adult fleas can stay on a suitable host and feed there.
Fleas can also transmit certain diseases. Two examples are murine typhus and plague, although the risk depends on the flea species, infected animals, and the area where you live. Not every flea carries these infections, and most flea bites do not lead to serious disease. Still, keeping fleas away from your family and pets is important. If you develop concerning symptoms after flea exposure, contact a medical professional. You should also seek veterinary advice if your pet seems ill or has a severe reaction to flea bites.
When you’re trying to get rid of fleas, a good place to start is with your veterinarian. Veterinarians can recommend flea treatments for your pets, including topical products and oral medications. The best choice depends on your pet’s species, age, health, and medical history. Some products intended for dogs are dangerous for cats, so it’s important to use treatments that are appropriate for each animal. Treating the pets helps address the adult fleas feeding on them.
Once you’ve addressed the fleas on your pets, it’s important to contact a good Tulsa Pest Control company to deal with fleas in your home. Flea eggs, larvae, and pupae can be present in places where pets rest or spend time. Because these stages develop at different rates, eliminating an infestation may require more than one treatment. It’s important to follow the treatment plan so that newly emerging fleas are addressed as well.
After the indoor problem is under control, an outdoor treatment may also be useful in areas where fleas are active, particularly places your pets frequent. Whether an outdoor treatment is needed depends on the conditions in your yard. Addressing flea activity outside can help reduce the chances of pets bringing fleas back indoors.
If you’re having trouble with fleas or other pests, contact a good Tulsa Pest Control company to get the problem under control. TermMax Pest Control can help with flea problems quickly and efficiently. Call us today for more information.
