How Fleas In Hartford Are More Dangerous Than You May Think

June 30, 2020

In: Fleas

There are some pests that are particularly disgusting, fleas are among them. These are pests that no one wants to deal with because they are so small and leave itchy bites. Most people only think about fleas being on pets, and so they don’t think that fleas are much of an issue. But this couldn't be further from the truth.
 
While fleas are most often found on pets, they do sometimes bite humans. These bites can lead to itchy and annoying bumps, but these bites aren’t the real concern with fleas. The real reason they are a problem is that they can spread diseases. While most people don’t associate fleas with disease, they actually can carry some deadly pathogens.

It’s important to know what fleas look like to help prevent them:

• Fleas are reddish-brown.

• They are quite small and will often first look like small red or brown dots on a pet’s fur.

• They are only about 3 mm long.

• Their back legs are longer than their front legs.

How Dangerous Are Fleas?

There are many pests that can carry germs and diseases, but some are more notorious for spreading pathogens to humans. While you might associate pests like rodents and mosquitoes with diseases, fleas are also in this category. Fleas are actually responsible for the largest pandemic in world history: the Bubonic Plague. Here are the dangers that fleas pose:

• They can cause pets to scratch so much they irritate their skin and need medical attention.

• Their bites can cause allergic reactions in some people.

• They carry many diseases including bartonellosis, Murine typhus, and tapeworms.

How To Prevent Fleas

In most cases, fleas enter a Hartford home on pets. Dogs or cats that spend time outside and then come inside can carry them in on their fur. But it’s not only households with pets that can get fleas. Fleas can come inside by riding on clothes or old furniture. They can also be on rodents that get into the home.
 
Because fleas are both dangerous and gross, there are some things you can do to help prevent them. Prevention methods might not always be completely effective at keeping fleas out, but they can help. One of the best ways to prevent pests is to work with your vet to keep fleas off your pets. This is especially true if your pet is often spending time outside. Your vet might recommend options such as certain medications or flea collars.
 
Some other prevention methods include:

• Keeping your home clean by vacuuming and decluttering often.

• Checking clothing or secondhand items for fleas.

• Preventing wild animals from coming into your yard by storing pet food properly and removing water sources.

Dealing With Flea Infestations

When it comes to fleas, the best way to prevent them and keep them out is to collaborate with your vet, if you have pets, and the pest control professionals at American Pest Solutions. We’ve been providing quality pest control in the Hartford area since 1913. We can work with you to prevent or eliminate flea infestations.