How Flea Infestations Start In Bay Area Homes

It should come as no surprise that dogs and cats are usually the catalyst for a flea infestation. If you have a furry family member, they are likely to be the reason why you have a flea infestation. But what might surprise you are all of the secondary factors that can play a role.

Wildlife

Fleas don't come into your yard on their own. They're carried into your yard by animals. If you take steps to reduce wildlife activity on your property, it can actually help to reduce your pet's exposure to fleas.

Tips associated with this factor are:

• Keep trash in covered containers.
• Make sure trash cannot be knocked over by animals.
• Use fencing material to keep animals out of gardens and berry bushes and away from fruit trees.
• Move bird feeders to at least 20 feet from your exterior.

Flea Development

Fleas don't typically hop off a wild animal and then hop onto your pet. It can happen; but it is more likely that flea development will occur first. If you understand how fleas develop, you can reduce contact between your pets and fleas.

When fleas hatch, they start life as a worm-like larvae. This larvae is unable to bite you and get a blood meal. They derive their sustenance from flea dirt, which is the fecal matter of adult fleas. Inside flea dirt is the blood larvae need to survive and develop. For this reason, nesting sites are a key factor in flea prevention. When an animal beds down, eggs and flea dirt are deposited in the same area. When the eggs hatch, the larvae have what they need to grow and eventually create a cocoon. In its cocoon, a flea can wait for quite a while before an animal comes near. When it does, the flea breaks free and springs onto the animal. Therefore, it is important to consider animal harborage when working to prevent flea infestations.

Tips associated with this factor are:

• Use fencing material to keep animals from finding harborage underneath structures.
• Use caulking material, metal flashing, wire mesh, and other exclusions to keep animals from gaining entry to your home.  

Moisture

When considering flea development, moisture is also a consideration. Fleas don't do well in dry conditions and the viability of larvae is impacted when you work to reduce moisture around the structures in your Bay Area home.

Tips associated with this factor are:

• Address clogged gutters or breaks in your gutter system.
• Water your landscaping in the morning to allow the sun to dry the moisture on plants and topsoil.
• Remove unnecessary vegetation from your landscaping to allow the air to flow through and dry things out.

Rodents

Mice and rats are a particular threat when it comes to flea infestations because they don't just bring fleas into your yard and they don't just bring them into your home. Mice and rats can bring fleas to every floor of your home, and even into voids near common areas. If a rodent drops fleas inside your home, your pets can pick them up even if your pets don't go outside.

Tips associated with this factor are:

• Do routine inspections for rodent activity. Look for droppings and property damage. When you detect rodent activity, consult with a pest control provider for a control solution.
• Replace weatherstripping around doors.
• Fill in gaps around door frames, window frames, pipes, wire conduits, and other exterior penetrations.
• Remove objects from near your home to reduce hiding places for rodents.

Pet Activity

Though the most common type of flea that infests Bay Area homes is the cat flea, you can resist these fleas by considering your dog's activity around your home. Many homeowners invest in creating a fenced-in play area for their dog(s). This is a great idea. If you don't have one, we recommend it. Fencing will keep your dog from exploring your landscaping and other key areas around your home where fleas can be waiting. It also reduces wildlife traffic in this outdoor area where your dog plays.

Direct Flea Reduction

Some of the tips given above will help you to reduce fleas around your home. They can be very effective at mitigating flea infestations. If you want the best mitigation possible, the solution is routine treatments of EPA-approved products. We recommend having a licensed pest management professional apply these treatments. If you need assistance in the Bay Area, we can help.

Bay Pest supports residents in the Bay Area with industry-leading pest control service. Our team can help you get control of a wide selection of common household pests, including fleas. Reach out to us today to learn more or to schedule service. We're standing by to assist you.