The Easiest Way To Keep Fleas From Entering Your Durham Residence

Fleas are problematic pests that can be difficult to remove from your home once they get inside. As a result, many Durham pest control efforts focus on preventing fleas from getting inside in the first place. Not only is this method of flea control generally more successful for residents, but it also allows you to avoid itchy flea bites and cleaning up after these small insects. Here's what you should know about fleas, their need for a host, ways to get rid of them, and where to turn for help if fleas have gotten out of control on your Durham property.

Flea Facts and Identification

There are over 2,000 species of fleas in the world, but the most common in local homes are dog fleas and cat fleas. Both are reddish-brown with pronounced back legs used for jumping and only grow to be around 1/6 of an inch in length. They have a hard outer shell making them hard to kill, and they are extremely flat from side to side, which allows them to weave their way through animal fur at surprising speeds. 

Fleas can jump up to eight inches vertically, which is about 150 times their height. If we could do the equivalent, we would be able to leap over skyscrapers. Unlike other pests, fleas typically remain on their host at all times, including laying their eggs and beginning new generations. 

Do Fleas Need A Host To Live?

While fleas are partial to living on their hosts, they don't require an ongoing host to live. Live fleas will often transfer from one host to another, and flea eggs can easily fall off a host and onto the carpet or pet bedding. While fleas often feed multiple times a day, even newly emerged fleas can survive days or even weeks without a meal, leaving them with plenty of time to find additional hosts.

If fleas could not live without a host there would likely be less fleas on humans. Fleas cannot live on people as we don't have fur for them to hide inside, but they can jump on to get a meal here and there until they find another more suitable host. While fleas do not need to live on a host 100% of the time to survive, they do need a steady source of food from nearby hosts. 

Six Simple Tips To Get Rid Of Fleas 

If you're looking for flea control for your house, it's important to think about preventing fleas as well as the best way to get rid of fleas in your house. The top six ways to get rid of fleas and keep them from coming back include:

1. Work with your veterinarian to keep pets treated for fleas all year round and groom them often removing any fleas or flea eggs that you find.
2. Vacuum and clean pet bedding on a regular basis to remove flea eggs before they hatch. 
3. Pets are not the only animals that bring fleas into your home. Be mindful of rodents and other wildlife in or around your home, and take steps to keep them away.
4. Limit harborage areas for fleas as well as hosts like rodents by keeping your grass cut short and maintaining landscaping.
5. Likewise, remove any organic debris from your property, such as brush piles, lawn clippings, etc. 
6. Finally, check for fleas when bringing home second hand furniture as this can be another way fleas get into your home. 

If you are struggling with a flea infestation and the tips above don't seem to be making a dent, don't hesitate to call on the professionals at The Eco Man Pest Solutions.

Professional Help To Keep Fleas Out Of Your Home

The best way to get rid of fleas is with an expert flea treatment from our pest control professionals. We know the ins and outs of these tiny pests and can help you rid your home of them and keep them from coming back in the future. 

If fleas prove too much for your prevention methods and make it through your defenses, don't let them ruin your relaxation. Instead, call The Eco Man Pest Solutions and request a free quote or schedule an inspection so that you can get on your way to a flea-free home. We have a variety of plans and can customize a service to work for your home and family. Call or reach out to us online today to get started.