How to Prevent Fleas from Entering a Home
Unfortunately, fleas can carry pathogens and transmit diseases like plague, cat scratch fever, and flea-borne typhus.
Pet owners understand how annoying fleas can be. These tiny parasitic pests can bite pets, cause scratching and discomfort, and some bacterial infections and illnesses. Unfortunately, fleas can carry pathogens and transmit diseases like plague, cat scratch fever, and flea-borne typhus.
Fleas can infest homes and live in carpets, rugs, furniture, bedding, and other areas frequented by pets. A flea infestation is hard to eliminate and can take weeks to months. They can enter homes when a cat or dog attracts fleas while in the yard on a stroll outside. Fleas can also move into homes via infested furniture or through floors and window screen cracks.
The best way to protect the pet and family from flea-related issues is to prevent them from entering the home. Here are a few things pet owners can do to keep the home flea-free:
Ensure proper yard maintenance
Fleas love warm and moist environments and can thrive in the lawn and outdoor areas. If the pet loves to spend time outside, playing in the yard, one of the best ways to prevent these creepy jumpers from entering the home is by keeping the outdoors well-maintained. Mow the grass and trim the trees and shrubs to make the yard less appealing to fleas. Seal all openings and use a chimney screen to discourage the entry of wild animals and feral pets in the yard that can bring fleas with them.
Clean the home regularly
Keeping indoor spaces clean can also help prevent a flea infestation. Regular sweeping or weekly vacuuming of the carpets, furniture, rugs, upholstery, baseboards, under cushions, and other low-traffic areas is essential to remove flea eggs or larvae. Also, change the vacuum bags frequently.
Use carpet, home, and yard sprays
Buy a yard flea spray to make the outdoors pet-friendly and prevent fleas from living in the yard. Spray treatment will repel fleas and also prevent them from entering the home by sticking to shoes and clothes. You can also find carpet and home sprays to destroy flea eggs, larvae, and adults and make furniture, carpets, furnishings, and upholstery less attractive for fleas.
Treat the pets to get rid of fleas
Pets are the most susceptible to catching fleas. Treating them regularly for fleas with measures like collars, shampoos, powders, and dips can prove very effective in making the pets less desirable for them. Use a flea comb before the pet enters the home after playing outside to prevent fleas from making their way into the house.
Wash the pets and their bedding regularly
A veterinarian can suggest the best bathing schedule for the pets to help prevent fleas. Use a flea removal shampoo or spray if the pet has been to an area where fleas are prevalent. Keep the bedding clean and wash it frequently with hot water and soap. It will help eliminate potential flea eggs or larvae and allow the pet to sleep peacefully.
Contact a local pest control service for more information on flea prevention or assistance in controlling a flea infestation.
Kinder Safe Pest Solutions offers 17 years of experience in commercial and residential pest control serving Manatee and Sarasota counties. Call (941)254-2180 today!