Is It Dangerous To Have Fleas In My Durham Home?

What Everyone Should Know About Fleas

Fleas are parasitic insects that feed on the blood of animals and humans. It is crucial to know how to identify these pests, the signs of a flea problem, and the dangers fleas pose to your Durham household.

Flea Identification

Fleas are reddish-brown and have flat bodies, and are 1/12” to 1/6” long. They do not have wings, but they are equipped with powerful legs for jumping long distances. They also have backward-pointing bristles that help them quickly move through fur and hair. The most common type of flea is the cat flea, which often targets cats, dogs, and people.

Signs Of Fleas

Fleas are most often discovered when pet owners notice their dogs or cats scratching more than usual. Other indications of fleas are itchy, red bumps on people or pets and loss of hair or fur. Tiny black specks on rugs or pet beds may be flea feces, and flea eggs can be dispersed throughout your home as they fall off your pet. Spotting the insects themselves is rare, as fleas are small and difficult to see with the naked eye.

The Dangers Of Fleas

Fleas are often considered a nuisance that only affects pets. However, fleas pose serious health risks to humans as well as animals, and their presence should not be taken lightly.

Fleas torment dogs and cats with their bites; they can even consume so much blood that the poor animals become anemic. Additionally, they carry other parasites, such as tapeworms, which can enter your pet’s intestinal tract if they ingest a flea while grooming themselves. Fleas may also cause allergic reactions in dogs and cats.

People are not safe from fleas either. Fleas bite us as well as animals, leaving small, red bumps that are extremely itchy. These bites are typically found in groups of three or four, most commonly on the ankles and legs. Like pets, people may also experience allergic reactions to fleas. Fleas are transmitters of the bubonic plague, although fortunately cases are rare today. They may also carry a bacterial disease called murine typhus.

While fleas most often afflict homes with dogs and cats, you can get fleas even if you do not own pets. Fleas also infest wild animals such as rodents, skunks, and raccoons. These wild animals can introduce fleas to your property, especially if they enter your home.

Flea Prevention In Durham, NC

Fleas are a common but preventable pest if you take the necessary steps to limit your chances of an infestation. Here are some flea prevention tips for Durham residents:

• Keep your yard free of debris, cut the grass regularly, and keep shrubs and trees trimmed.
• Treat dogs and cats for fleas year-round, even indoor pets.
• Keep pets clean and well-groomed, and keep dogs on a leash when outdoors.
• If your pets do get fleas, take them to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
• Dust and vacuum your home regularly.
• Address any wildlife or rodent issues on your property, as they may be infested with fleas.

Taking these preventative measures should help limit you and your pets’ exposure to fleas, but if an infestation occurs, call a pest control professional in Durham right away.