Fleas are tiny parasitic insects that feed on the blood of mammals and birds. You are most likely to encounter them in your home if you have a pet that unknowingly brings them inside. These parasites may be tiny, but they can multiply quickly and create a serious problem for you and your pets. They also multiply quickly, so you need to be able to spot a flea infestation and deal with it quickly if you want to keep it from getting out of control.
What Do Fleas Look Like?
Fleas are small wingless insects with three pairs of legs. Adults are only about 1/8 of an inch long, which makes them very hard to spot with the naked eye. They also move quickly and have flat bodies that make it easier for them to navigate an animal’s fur coat. They are typically reddish-brown in color.
Are Fleas Harmful?
Fleas usually don’t pose a health risk to humans, but their bites can cause itching that can lead to infection. Fleas do occasionally carry parasites such as tapeworms, and it is possible to develop an allergy to flea bites.
What are the Signs of a Flea Infestation?
While you are unlikely to get a good look at a life flea, you can occasionally see them in your home. They will appear as very tiny dot-like insects on your furniture or on your pet. You also might notice your pets scratch or bite their fur excessively if they have fleas. You also might notice bites on your feet and around your ankles. These will be red and surrounded by halos. You also might develop hives or a rash if you have an allergic reaction to the bites.
How Do You Get Rid of Fleas?
If you believe that you have a flea infestation, contact a professional residential pest control service immediately. Fleas do not go away on their own, but there are things you can do to get rid of them until you can have a pest control professional in your home. First of all, you will need to bathe your pet using anti-flea shampoo and other treatments. Next, do the same thing with any bedding, clothing, and upholstery that may have come into contact with your pets. Finally, vacuum your home regularly to get rid of fleas, their eggs, and their larvae. Turning up the heat in your home will also help to speed up the incubation process of flea eggs since the adults are much easier to get rid of than their eggs and larvae.
Call ASAP Pest Control for Professional Flea Extermination
If you live in London, Ontario or the surrounding area and you think you might have a flea infestation, contact ASAP Pest Control today. Flea infestations can grow out of control quickly, so you will need to act now if you want your home to be free of these troublesome pests.