What San Jose Property Owners Need To Know For Effective Flea Control

The most common flea species in the United States is the cat flea, but cat fleas aren't just a problem for cats. These tiny fleas are equal opportunity biters. They'll bite dogs and people as well as cats. When cat fleas get into your home, no one will be excluded. But this is probably something you're already aware of if you have a cat or a dog. Flea infestations are common for pet owners, and it is likely that you've already experienced how unpleasant an infestation can be. Sadly, infestations are so common, the disease threat fleas present is often underestimated. We don't recommend that you take an infestation lightly, or take your time correcting one. Fleas are able to spread Murine typhus, bartonellosis, the plague, and other unpleasant diseases.

The Best Defense Is A Good Offense

It is wise to think about flea infestations long before you ever have one. The best way to protect your pets, and everyone living in your home, is to keep fleas from getting inside in the first place. Flea prevention has many components.

Pet Protection

Fleas don't hop into your home. They hitch a ride into your home. If you have a dog or cat, they are most likely to be the ride those fleas will hitch. Your first step in effective flea control should be to prevent your pets from getting fleas.

• Talk to your vet about whether flea and tick collars are right for your pet and for your family. While collars are not 100 percent protection from fleas, they are a good place to start.
• If you have a dog, and your dog does not have a fenced-in play area, we recommend creating one. Fences will keep your dog from getting into dark, damp areas around your home. These locations are where fleas wait for hosts.
• Monitor your pets. At the first sign of itching, use a flea comb to check for fleas or flea dirt. If you detect evidence of flea activity, use vet-prescribed products to bathe and treat your pets.

Wildlife Control

Fleas don't hop into your yard, they hitch a ride. As wild animals explore your exterior, they drop flea eggs and flea dirt. You can reduce flea populations around your home by taking measures to resist animal activity.

• Keep your exterior trash in covered containers that cannot be knocked over.
• Move bird feeders to at least 20 feet from your exterior.
• Remove lawn clutter to reduce hiding places for small animals.
• Use fencing to keep animals out of harborage locations or from eating natural food sources.

Rodent Control

Mice and rats can be a source of an infestation because they get into your home and are able to explore every floor of your home. If you take steps to keep rodents out, you'll also be reducing your chances of a flea infestation.

• Address any conditions around your home that create standing water resources. Rodents need water more than they need food.
• Keep your landscaping trimmed and remove unnecessary vegetation. This makes it difficult for rodents to find cover as they try to explore your foundation perimeter.
• Remove objects that are near your exterior, especially woodpiles and organic debris such as leaves, sticks, and clipped grass.
• Inspect your exterior and seal any entry points. Keep in mind that a mouse only needs a hole the size of a dime and a rat only needs a hole the size of a quarter. They're also more than capable of turning a small hole into a larger hole.

What To Do When An Infestation Breaks Out

If fleas find a way into your San Jose home, remember that the team at Bay Pest is available to help you with flea control. We use EPA approved residual products to arrest flea infestations. We can also help you address any rodents that are making it possible for fleas to get into your home. Our team members have the experience and training to handle even the most complicated and mysterious flea infestations—which are hardly few and far between. Don't let fleas make you or your pets sick, reach out to Bay Pest today for effective flea elimination in the Bay Area.