Are Fleas Dangerous To New England Residents?

July 6, 2018

In: Fleas

Do fleas present dangers to New England residents? That is a very good question! While we usually tend to think that fleas only invade homes with pets, that is simply not the case; you don’t have to be a pet owner to be invaded by pests. Fleas are very strong jumpers and can hitch a ride onto your property on both wildlife animals and domestic pets, as well as on our clothing and shoes. Once these tiny pests find their way into your home or property, they can become a huge problem.

The biggest problem when dealing with fleas is not just the itchy bites they cause; the real danger that fleas present is their ability to be “in-between” hosts for tapeworm. If flea larvae consume tapeworm segments, tapeworm eggs will develop inside of the flea, and if your pet ingests that flea, their intestines will become infected with the tapeworms as well. People can also acquire tapeworms in the same manner. Another health risk from fleas is that their bites cause an allergic reaction in some people and, if the bite is opened due to excessive scratching, it may become infected.

During the summer months, flea populations swell exponentially, increasing the potential health risks they present to you and your family. These pests are very difficult to eradicate due to their adaptability. It is very important to enlist the help of a certified pest control company to rid your home of unwanted flea infestations.

If you see any of the following signs of a flea infestation you should get help right away:

• Noticing that your pet is itching or scratching more than usual
• Finding live fleas on your pet
• Seeing flea feces, which look like coarse coffee grounds, on your pet or their favorite resting places, as well as on carpets, furniture, and beds
• Finding flea bites on yourself or any other members of your household; these bites will look like tiny, red, raised dots and are usually found on the legs and ankles

If you have pets, make sure they are treated with vet-approved flea treatments and check them for fleas on a regular basis. Wash all the bedding in your home, including your pets, on a regular basis and vacuum floors and carpets often. If you still find yourself with a flea infestation, however, you will need to get rid of adult, larvae, and eggs in order to stop the reproduction cycle, which will require the help of a pest control professional. Residents of Springfield, MA, and Hartford County, CT, can count on the professionals at American Pest Solutions to eradicate even the toughest flea infestations. Give us a call today for guaranteed flea elimination and control!