Having to deal with fleas in their homes ranks high on the list of reasons why many Australians shy away from owning pets. This is because dogs and cats are the number one carriers of fleas into your home and onto your clothes and bedding. Fortunately, there are steps avid pet owners can take to keep fleas at bay. The most significant of these is investing in flea treatment for houses and other spaces where pets live or play. Since this can be done professionally, keeping your home flea-free is easier than you think.
If you’re a first-time pet owner, you may be forgiven for not knowing exactly knowing what fleas are. So, let’s get some clarity on what they are and what dangers they pose. These little critters are tiny parasites that jump from plants or sand onto your animals. Once on your pets (and even you), they will suck blood and potentially spread a host of different diseases such as tapeworms.
Fleas are black or dark brown and are about 2.5 mm in size when fully grown. They have flat bodies with six legs where the hind legs are slightly longer than the front and middle legs. Their mouthparts are strong enough to enable them to pierce human and animal skin to draw blood.
Fleas are attracted to warm-blooded animals and can commonly be attracted to dogs, cats, and humans. Bites are typically itchy and present as a red rash and one flea can bite its host hundreds of times to feed. These harmful pests can cause you and your pet considerable discomfort, making it crucial to maintain a home flea-free environment.
Many people will tell you that fleas are an inevitable part of owning pets. However, the reality is that there are several steps that you can take to avoid a flea infestation in your home flea-free space. Here’s what our experts suggest.
The number one way to reduce the likelihood of fleas getting into your home flea-free is to treat your pets for any potential infestations. This is essentially important for pets who live inside and spend time outside or garden. Flea treatment can include the following:
You can also visit your vet for recommendations for your dog’s breed, age, and general environment. Keep an eye out for signs of fleas that involve continuous scratching, patches of fur falling out, or flea faeces (small black flecks) on your pet’s fur or bedding.
Whether you have one carpet or a home full of carpets, a home with pets requires regular extensive cleaning and vacuuming. This is especially the case if your pets sleep on beds or couches. Keep in mind that fleas can jump great distances so it’s very easy for them to get around.
Do this by investing in a robust vacuum cleaner that’s specifically designed for cleaning pet hair. Be sure to clean your vacuum cleaner’s dust bag often as this is a common area for fleas to lay eggs in. Vacuum and clean floors, bedding, and window coverings often to prevent fleas from finding a cosy spot to live while they wait for a pet or human to pass by.
Fleas live in dark areas which makes shrubs, bushes, wood piles and heaps of soil ideal. Avoid infestations by keeping your grass and shrubs trimmed. Lawns where pets spend time should also be maintained and kept short. This will not only keep fleas away but will also deter rodents that have been known to carry fleas.
No matter where your pet lives, it’s essential to keep their kennels and bedding clean. Wash and disinfect bedding, furniture, and toys to prevent pets from coming in contact with fleas or their eggs. It’s also recommended that dog kennels, bedding, and anything else your dogs or cats use should be air-dried to further reduce the likelihood of flea eggs surviving.
If you have recently applied several flea treatments to your pets, it may be a sign that your property has a potential infestation. In this instance, you will need to clean up your property and speak to a professional for a safe and effective treatment.
After an initial assessment, your pest controller will recommend the best solution, tailored to your home, pets, and size of infestation. Professional treatments are designed to be environmentally friendly and safe to be applied around your children and pets. Speak to your pest controller for additional tips to keep fleas at bay.
You can easily own pets and at the same time keep your home flea-free of these harmful critters. Using the tips we’ve suggested is the easiest way to manage these pests. If you already have noticed fleas in your home, we recommend speaking to your local pest control agent. They will use safe and effective measures to keep your space flea-free!
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