Flea Prevention Tips Your Pet Will Thank You For

If there’s one pest that humans and animals alike can’t stand, it’s fleas. These tiny insects can turn a cozy home into an itchy nightmare before you even realize what’s happening. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

To keep your home bite-free, it helps to understand the differences between fleas, how they get inside, and how to stop them before they take over. 

The Different Types of Fleas

While fleas might all seem the same when they’re jumping across your living room, the way you encounter them often depends on your pets, your habits, or even your favorite vacation spot. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common fleas you could run into:

Cat Fleas

Despite the name, cat fleas are the most common flea found on both cats and dogs. These tiny, reddish-brown pests are responsible for the majority of household infestations. Cat fleas are highly adaptable, meaning they can survive on pets, in carpets, furniture, and even bedding. If your pet is scratching or you’re noticing itchy bites on your ankles, cat fleas are usually the culprit.

Dog Fleas

Dog fleas are slightly different from cat fleas, though not by much. They tend to be more common in rural areas or places with large outdoor dog populations, like farms or ranches. These fleas also aren’t picky — if there’s a warm-blooded host nearby, they’ll take it.

Human Fleas

Believe it or not, human fleas are a thing. And no, we’re not talking about the Red Hot Chili Peppers member. Human fleas can show up in places where wildlife like raccoons or opossums are around, or in agricultural areas. And like all fleas, they’ll bite both pets and people.

Sand Fleas

Technically, sand fleas aren’t insects. They’re actually tiny crustaceans found in sandy environments like beaches. While they don’t infest homes the way other fleas do, they can still leave behind painful, itchy bites after a day at the coast. If your beach trip ends with red, itchy welts on your feet or ankles, sand fleas might be to blame.

How Do Flea Infestations Start?

Fleas are expert hitchhikers, and more often than not, they catch a ride into your home on your pet’s fur. But even if you don’t have pets, fleas can still sneak in thanks to wildlife like squirrels, raccoons, or rodents hanging around your yard. All it takes is a quick stroll through the grass, and these tiny invaders can latch onto your shoes or clothing.

Once they’re inside, things can escalate quickly. Fleas lay hundreds of eggs, turning a small problem into a full-blown infestation before you know it. Their eggs and larvae love to hide in carpet fibers, upholstery, and pet bedding, and thanks to their powerful jumping skills, they can spread around your home and get into places you wouldn’t expect.

The Keys to Preventing Fleas

The best defense against fleas starts with protecting your pets. Talk to your veterinarian about year-round flea prevention, whether that’s a topical treatment, a pill, or a flea collar. Regularly grooming and bathing your pet can also help you catch fleas before they have a chance to spread.

Inside your home, make vacuuming part of your routine, especially in areas where your pets like to nap. Wash their bedding, blankets, and toys in hot water regularly to help eliminate any hidden eggs or larvae. And if you’ve been hiking, camping, or spending time where there’s lots of wildlife, check your clothing and shoes before heading indoors.

Outside, you can help deter fleas by keeping your yard tidy. Mow regularly, clear out piles of leaves or debris, and secure trash cans to avoid attracting wildlife that might carry fleas onto your property.

How To Get Rid of Fleas

Already seeing spots in your home? Getting rid of fleas takes persistence and thorough cleaning. Start by vacuuming carpets, rugs, and furniture daily, and be sure to empty the vacuum outdoors to keep any fleas from sneaking back out. 

If you’ve washed your pet’s bedding and vacuumed regularly, but fleas are still hanging around, it might be time to call in the pros. Our flea control services are designed to take on even the toughest infestations. Fleas can pose a serious health risk to humans and pets, so letting our experts take care of them is your best bet to keep these pests out for good. 

Jump On Fleas Before They Take Over Your Home

These bugs may be small, but they shouldn’t be taken lightly. Whether it’s one flea or a full-blown infestation, these itchy intruders can cause major problems fast. No matter what type of flea is on your pet or in your home, you can contact us for a quick and efficient removal.