Once you experience a flea infestation, you’re unlikely to forget it. Having tiny pests jumping out of your carpet and covering your ankles in tiny bites is an unpleasant experience that tends to stick with you. However, whether you’ve experienced a flea infestation or not, you probably have some questions about these jumping pests. Bay Pest has answers to the most commonly asked questions about fleas in The Bay Area.
How Do You Know If You Have Fleas?
Although you may not notice a flea infestation right away, there are several telltale signs that they’ve gotten into your house. All of the following are signs that you may have a flea infestation:
- Finding small red bug bites on your body, especially around your ankles or other extremities
- Seeing your pets scratching themselves frequently or excessively
- Seeing small black spots on your clothing
- Seeing small black spots on your bedding, curtains, pet bedding, or upholstery
- Seeing small black spots hopping out of your carpeting
- Finding small bugs in your pets’ fur
What Is The Cause Of Fleas?
A flea infestation typically begins when a flea enters your home, either on a person or pet. This transfer can happen when a person who has a flea infestation in their home brings them into your home accidentally. It can also occur when a person or pet is outside and gets a flea on them in your yard. It’s also possible for a flea to jump inside on its own, but this is less likely.
What Does A Flea Bite On A Human Look Like?
Flea bites look like typical bug bites. They are small, red, and round, and they can be very itchy. Fleas often bite in small clusters, so you’ll find several bites in a grouping. They also tend to prefer your extremities over your trunk, especially around your feet and ankles.
Are Fleas Dangerous?
Fleas pose a few threats to humans and pets. If you get bitten by a flea, you’re unlikely to get sick from it. However, prolonged scratching can lead to a secondary infection in the area around the bite. Furthermore, fleas can transmit tapeworms. While this risk is extremely low for humans, it’s possible, especially for young children who often put things in their mouths.
The greater risk with fleas is for your pets. Tapeworm infections are much more likely for pets. Pets can also develop anemia brought on by flea bites. Many pets are also likely to be allergic to flea bites, which can lead to infections and hot spots.
Why Are Fleas So Hard To Kill?
Part of the reason fleas can be so hard to kill is because of their life cycle. Female fleas can lay up to 50 eggs a day, leading to a large infestation in a short amount of time.
Many people try to get rid of fleas simply by washing their sheets and vacuuming their floors. The problem with this method is that, although it will take care of some of the adults, it rarely gets the eggs. Flea eggs are often laid deep in carpet fibers where the vacuum doesn’t reach. That means that about a week or two later, you’ll find yourself with a flea problem again as the eggs begin to hatch.
Does Alcohol Or Vinegar Kill Fleas?
Alcohol does kill fleas on contact. However, it is also dangerous for your pets. Attempting to eliminate a flea infestation with alcohol would require too much alcohol to be safely used.
Vinegar does not kill fleas. It is often touted as a do-it-yourself method of flea control because fleas don’t like the smell or taste and will avoid it if possible. However, covering your pet in a vinegar solution will only result in the fleas moving off of your pet temporarily, but remaining in your house.
There are many other “natural” methods of flea control that claim to be effective, but most of them either don’t work or are only partially effective at eliminating the infestation. You may notice temporary relief, but after a couple of weeks, the fleas will be back.
What Should You Do To Get Rid Of Fleas In Your House?
If you see fleas in your house, don’t bother using DIY methods to get rid of them. You’ll waste time and money and still have a flea infestation.
Instead, contact Bay Pest. Our flea control treatments will fully eliminate your flea problem in a fast, effective manner. Since we target fleas at all stages of development, we can prevent your flea problem from coming back.
At the first sign of fleas, give Bay Pest a call. We’re ready to help.