Keeping Your Home Flea Free
NPMA StaffMonday, May 9, 2011
By NPMA Staff
If you're itching to rid your home of fleas,
you may want to heed some expert advice. The first thing you should
know is that it's important to act fast. Infestations pop up
quickly and can be very difficult to control once inside the home,
says the National Pest Management Association.
Fleas are hungry parasites that feed on any warm-blooded body,
so it's easy for pets to bring them inside and spread them
throughout the house - where they can then turn you
into supper. It's not healthy to live in a house with fleas;
these pests have been known to transmit fatal diseases like the
bubonic plague and the bacterial disease, murine typhus. However,
it is more common for pets and people alike to suffer an allergic
reaction to flea saliva, which can cause painful, itchy bumps on
the skin.
Here are some flea-fighting tips from the National Pest
Management Association:
- Keep your lawn groomed. Untended lawns provide hiding spots and
food sources for rodents and other animals that fleas
feed on.
- Fleas can hitch rides on rodents. If you notice a
rodent problem on your property, fleas are just one more
reason to call a pest professional immediately to remedy the
problem.
- Keep pets leashed while outside. Bathe and groom your pets
regularly and use flea treatments as recommended by
your veterinarian.
- Clean and vacuum your home frequently to help
remove fleas.
- Getting rid of adult fleas alone will not solve your
problem.
If you find adult fleas,
then there may also be hundreds of eggs in your home. These
eggs can take seven to 14 days to hatch and the infestation cycle
will continue. A pest management professional can rid your home of
both adult fleas and larvae.