Fleas In Virginia

What are fleas?

Fleas are parasitic pests that feed on the blood of mammals. The “cat flea” is the most widespread species of flea found living across the county. Cat fleas feed on a wide variety of hosts, including cats, dogs, rodents, chickens, wild animals, and humans. Adult cat fleas are tiny,  growing between 1/12th and 1/6th of an inch in length or about the size of a speck of dirt. Their hard, flat bodies have a shiny appearance and are dark brownish-red in color. They are wingless. Fleas have powerful back legs that allow them to jump great heights to jump away from threats or onto a host. They have specialized spines on their mouths, legs, and backs to stop them from falling off their hosts.

Are fleas dangerous?

Fleas are dangerous pests and should be eliminated from homes quickly. They can cause health problems in both people and pets. A flea’s saliva can stimulate an immune response that causes itching. In some cases, the itching can become intense, and the area can become infected and require medical attention. Fleas can infect people and pets with parasitic tapeworm. In addition, if a pet has a severe flea infestation, it can become anemic and very ill.

Why do I have a flea problem?

Fleas are most commonly introduced onto properties and into yards by wild animals passing through. Once on your property, they stay until a new host passes by that they can attach themselves to and begin feeding on. Often the new host is your pet which then accidentally introduces the fleas into your home. Other ways that fleas enter into homes include:

• On the clothing of people who unknowingly encounter fleas after spending time outside in flea-infested outdoor spaces.

• On rodents or other wildlife that have found their way inside homes to nest.

• Inside a used piece of furniture or on a rug infested with their eggs or larvae.

How do I get rid of fleas?

Controlling fleas can be difficult because they live and breed outdoors, are constantly being introduced onto your property by wild animals, and gain access into your home in many different ways. The easiest way to control fleas living in and around your home is to contact the flea control professionals at All Pest Control and Solutions. Our seasonal, proactive home pest control plans can protect your home and family from fleas and other household-invading pests. Serving Salem and the New River Valley areas, our professionals will inspect your property, develop a plan of action, and then implement it! The end result – 100% satisfaction guaranteed flea control for your property.

Does All Pest Control and Solutions have any flea prevention tips?

Preventing fleas from finding their way onto your property and into your home can be difficult, but there are a few things you can do to help deter these parasitic pests.

• Place pets on a year-round flea control program under the guidance of their veterinarian.

• Maintain your lawn and property.

• Remove bird feeders from your property that attract wild animals.

• Inspect yourself, children, and pets for fleas after spending time outside.

• Regularly vacuum areas where pets spend most of their time.

• Don’t allow pets to sleep on upholstered furniture or beds.

• Regularly wash pet bedding.