Unlike other insects that have wings to help them find a host to infest, fleas will leap at the chance to bite your pets. Quite literally, fleas can jump 7 full inches high at a distance of up to a foot. They are the superheroes of the parasitic world!  Without going into all of the scientific details of what allows them to jump such a great distance, let’s focus on the dangers behind a sudden infestation of fleas. They have an unmatched survivability rate, meaning that this is an infestation that will be extremely hard to get rid of. In most cases, you will have to seek professional help or the problem will quickly get out of hand!

Contrary to popular belief, fleas present a much bigger problem than simply being a nuisance. They can become dangerous under the right circumstances.

Fleas can Cause Internal Infections

Most people don’t realize that fleas can actually pass tapeworms to your pets if they happen to ingest the flea. Tapeworms can start out inside of the flea itself and when ingested, spread to your pet. They will then grow and lead to other health problems such as rapid weight loss.

Another of the health problems that comes with flea bites is bite anemia. This happens when young animals have an allergic reaction to the flea bite or the fleas feed so much on the pet that their red blood cell count is significantly reduced. In essence, they become anemic. This can actually be fatal if it’s left untreated.

Fleas Also Pose a Health Risk to Humans

Fleas to not normally look to humans as a host but they can still become a health risk for us. Every once in a while, a flea can bite you and there are a number of diseases that are carried by fleas. These diseases can be spread to humans. Cat scratch fever is one of the most common diseases spread by fleas today.

It’s important that you understand fleas are not just dangerous to your furry friends. They can be dangerous to your kids as well.

Get Rid of Fleas Forever!

Once your home is infested with fleas, it can be a nightmare to get rid of them. You might have to seek professional help in order to get rid of them. One of the top ways that a professional will attack flea problems in your home is through aerosol products that are designed to fumigate the home. These chemicals keep fleas from reaching their final mature stage, thus keeping them from multiplying. These chemicals are normally safe for everything but the fleas but there are a number of precautions you will need to take.

Before you allow your children to go back into the fumigated home, you should have them wear socks and shoes so that the chemical is not getting on their feet.

Sometimes a single treatment might not be enough to completely eliminate the problem. Depending on the severity of the infestation, your home might require several treatments.