How to Beat Flea Infestation This Spring

Spring is almost here! Soon, the sun will be shining, the days will get longer, the weather will get warmer, and the flowers will bloom. You may be looking forward to this season switch – but you’re not the only one. Fleas love spring just as much as we do! Increased warmth and humidity allows them to breed at a rapid rate, which can quickly lead to an infestation in your home. Not only will a flea infestation negatively affect your pets, it can cause you discomfort as well. Not to mention the constant burden of vacuuming and laundry, and flea bombing. In order to prevent these critters from invading your home, Boz Pest Control is here to help!

Why Fleas Love Spring

Fleas can lay up to 50 eggs a day on your carpet, flooring, or bedding. Even though they reproduce at a rapid rate, these eggs lie dormant throughout the cold months. After a few warm or humid days, these eggs can hatch and quickly take over your home. Between the increased reproduction and nonstop hatching, it’s important to take preventative measures before the warm spring weather sets in.

Fleas Outside

As the weather gets nicer, it’s likely that you will be walking your pets more often and spending more time outside. This makes it more likely for you and your pets to encounter these critters during your time outside. Take precautions – you can wear long pants and your pets can have repellant.

Fleas Inside

Once fleas have made it into your home, you will have a harder time getting rid of them. Carpets, bedding, and cracks in the floor allow them to lay their eggs and hide from chemicals and vacuums. Persistent cleaning is necessary, as well as possible chemical treatments. If your pets become affected, you should get them vet approved medicated baths, and contact a professional to take care of the problem. The longer fleas are left to breed, the harder it will be to eliminate them.

Risks of Infestation

A flea infestation can cause the following symptoms:

• Skin irritation
• Hair loss
• Tapeworms due to ingestion of fleas
• Fleas transmit bacteria
• Flea waste can cause fever, swollen lymph nodes, and headaches when introduced into a bite wound.

How to Lessen the Chance of Infestation

When an overabundance of any critter or pest should be dealt with by a professional, there are things that you can do on your own. To minimize the chances of a flea infestation on your property this spring, here’s what you can do:

• Vacuum often – this includes all carpets, solid surfaces, areas with cracks and furniture.
• Wash beddings, both you and your pets!
• Mow the lawn regularly, as this helps to prevent ticks as well.
• Check pets frequently, especially if they become itchy or scratchy. Gently brush back fur with your fingers and look for fleas or flea dirt. Fleas typically gather around hard to reach areas, like the groin or base of the tail.

Remember, once you see one flea, there are likely hundreds more hiding somewhere. At the first sign of a problem, call Boz Pest Control!

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