Most people associate itchy, red bumps with one of summer’s most notorious pests – mosquitoes – but few realize that those bumps may actually be caused by fleas. Although fleas are usually associated with the family pet, they are attracted to any warm-blooded body, putting the entire family at risk of being bitten. Hughes Exterminators, a local termite and home pest control company, is experiencing a large increase in calls reporting a resurgence of flea infestations in the home.
Fleas are very small and difficult to see, and it only takes a few in a home to develop a serious infestation. Fleas are known to breed very quickly, with females laying over 2,000 eggs in their lifetime. Their ability to jump 150 times their own length, also allows them to quickly spread throughout a home, infesting carpets, furniture, clothing and blankets.
“For the last few years, fleas had seemed to be under control, but recently we have seen a resurgence. With the biology of pests and the weather patterns we have been experiencing, this cyclical surge is possible,” said Shay Runion, Hughes pest expert. “Since fleas breed at a rapid pace and can be difficult to eradicate, it is important to call a pest professional to control the infestation in a very timely manner.”
Hughes Exterminators offers these tips to prevent flea infestations:
- If you have a pet, be sure to use a monthly flea preventative, clean/groom them regularly, and visit a veterinarian annually.
- Keep lawns well groomed. An untended lawn can provide hiding spots and food sources for animals that harbor fleas, such as rodents.
- Clean and vacuum your home frequently to help remove current flea populations and discourage egg laying.
- Avoid walking pets in tall grass where fleas can easily move into your pet’s hair.
Hughes protects homes from fleas with the STEPS™ Total Protection System, an industry-leading process that utilizes Integrated Pest Management. STEPS includes full inspection of home and property to pinpoint pest control issues; identification of not only the pest, but the true cause of the problem; and treatment in the most environmentally responsible way to alleviate current issues and help prevent any future recurrence.