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All You Need To Know About Fleas
All You Need To Know About Fleas
The fleas are very small yet very annoying and dangerous insects. They are tiny and fast, and can cause irritation and disease to both humans and pets. Not to mention that fleas are connected with the Black Death, a devastating global epidemic of bubonic plague that happened in the mid 1300-s.
They are small insects with no wings, and with legs designed for jumping. They can jump up to 80 times their height, which is quite incredible. Imagine a human being able to jump 400 feet up in the air. Fleas can survive in a home even if there are no pets, as long as there are animals that shelter nearby. They can go for 100 days without a host, and can multiply quickly.
You need to pay special attention to fleas if you have a dog, or a cat that wanders outside. But even if you don’t have any pets at home, your children might come in contact with fleas when petting a random dog on the streets, or someone else’s cat.
The History of Fleas
It is believed that these insects have been around for millions of years, since the Mesozoic era. Scientists believe that the predecessors of fleas were much larger and had stronger mouth suckers that allowed them to feed with the blood of dinosaurs.
The first person to study fleas under magnification was Galileo, and he was followed by Robert Hooke and others. There are more than 2,000 known species of fleas today, and the most common ones are the cat fleas, the dog fleas, the human fleas and the Oriental rat fleas.
Are Fleas Dangerous?
While most of them do not harm people directly, they can cause a lot of damage to your beloved pets. They can cause irritations of the skin, which makes them scratch and irritate the areas even further. But the biggest concern is that fleas can transmit a lot of diseases and parasites.
Among them we can find: tapeworms, flea allergy dermatitis, the cat scratch disease, the Hemotropic Mycoplasmosis and least but not last – plague. Some of these diseases and parasites can then be transmitted to humans too, thus making fleas dangerous insects that should be treated as soon as possible.
For every flea that you see, there are many more others you don’t. They are usually in other stages of their life, such as eggs, larvae and pupae. When they are in the final pupal stage, they can stay dormant for quite a lot of time. They will then emerge into adults as a response to vibrations. That’s why it is important to get a professional treatment that not only will eliminate the current fleas in your home, but will also prevent new ones from emerging.
How To Get Rid of Fleas?
There are various flea treatment products in supermarkets, at pet shops and veterinary cabinets, so it’s important to read the label and use the right type of product for your pet (depending on their species, age and weight).
- Start by eliminating existing adult fleas from your pet. This can be achieved through various gels, shampoos or pills recommended by a veterinarian. Be careful with small pets as they need a really small dose, while larger dogs may need larger quantities of product
- Washing your dog on a regular basis is very important. Not only you can eliminate existing adult fleas, but also the eggs and larvae
- Fleas are sneaky little creatures that can jump off the pet when they feel in danger (such as when you are brushing the animal). Then, they can hide in carpets, upholstery or baseboards. So it is important to have these areas treated with products specifically designed to kill fleas. Do not apply them by yourself, and call a professional instead
- You might treat your home, but if your dog spends a lot of time in the backyard and that area is filled with fleas, then you didn’t really solve anything. Our technicians will inspect your backyard too, and if fleas are found there, a treatment will be applied. If you decide to apply outdoor solutions yourself, never apply them directly on your pet, and keep it away for a few hours
- Pesticides need about 3 to 5 hours to dry. In this time do not allow your pet in that area, and then make sure to air out the entire home. Do not clean the treated areas for 2 weeks after the treatment
Flea Bites
Flea bites can be very itchy and painful, and can also trigger allergic reactions in humans. While they cannot survive only with human blood, some species still bite humans as well.
Flea bites are usually small, with a central red spot and appear in groups of three or four, or sometimes in a line. Blisters do not form on flea bites, but only on those of bed bugs. Humans are usually bitten on the feet or ankles, but fleas can expand to other areas of the body too, especially on people with dense hair on the legs and chest.
Humans are not the most optimal hosts for fleas, but they can be a secondary option until a better source of food is found. Especially if the flea is really hungry and didn’t had a meal for many days. Most people will be ok, but others can develop serious allergic reactions.
Signs of fleas in your pet include scratching, licking or biting, red patches or bites, hair loss, pale gums and flea dirt.
Get Rid of Fleas Now!
If your home or yard are seriously infested by fleas, then it’s time to call a specialist! Safeguard Pest Control is a family owned and operated company that has been operating since 1989. We have extensive knowledge and experience in this field, and can provide you with professional results.
Book your Safeguard fleas treatment now by calling 07 5477 6675 or emailing info@safeguardpestcontrol.com.au and allow us to protect your home against these nasty insects.
Safeguard Pest Control
Whether you have issues with cockroaches, bed bugs, termites, ants, flies, mosquitoes, lawn grubs, fleas, mice, rats, geckos or other pests, we are here to help. Our treatments suit all types of homes and all budgets. Contact us today and let us help you get rid of pests! Call 07 5477 6675 or send us an e-mail at info@safeguardpestcontrol.com.au
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