Welcome to the Pest Library! This is an ongoing series on our website used to help educate homeowners to the best of our ability.  The pest library will eventually contain entries for nearly every type of household pest imaginable. The entries will include a description of the pest, how they become pests to humans, how concerned homeowners should be, and how to get rid of them. While we hope you find the pest library useful, it is important to call experts to help remove pests. A pest control expert can positively identify particular creatures and establish a safe and effective means of removal. This week we are exploring the fleas in Florida.

What Do Fleas Look Like?

There are thousands of species of fleas and most of them thrive in a warm, humid climate. Unfortunately for homeowners, that means that fleas in Florida are actively terrorizing pets and homes year-round. The first step in mediating a flea swarm is identifying the problem.

Fleas in Florida have tiny bodies only a few millimeters long. Their bodies are typically red or brown and flat. One key characteristic of a flea is its jump. They can jump up to 30 cm high, making them extremely contain to contain.

How Fleas Become Pests

If a home has pets that go outside, those pets battle fleas. Those fleas attach themselves to the animal, lay eggs and multiply quickly. Then, pets carry fleas or flea eggs into the home and those eggs bury into carpet or upholstery waiting for a new host to feed on.

Once a flea enters a home it can become an ongoing or recurrent problem. Flea eggs may sit dormant in carpet for long periods of time, and can be become active through vibrations in the area.

Fleas in Florida do not discriminate. As much as they love a cat or dog, they do attempt to feed on people. Flea infested homes can cause children playing in their rooms to exhibit flea bites and uncomfortable rashes. Meanwhile, adults may feel bites on their feet or notice dark specks on their socks.

Remember, one female flea can spell infestation in just a matter of weeks. If you believe you are facing a flea infestation, the best course of action is to call a pest control expert.

Flea Prevention

There are steps that you can take to prevent a flea problem. However, these steps should never be substituted for expert advice. Therefore, this list is moreover a tool to help identify areas of opportunity in which to protect against this parasite.

  • Flea Medication for Pets– A medication that can help keep fleas from being carried by your pet, reducing the chance of contracting tapeworms carried by fleas as well as reducing the risk of infestation in the home.
  • Keep The Floors Clean– Vacuuming floors in the room can help contain fleas in stages like the pupae or egg, removing them from the home.
  • Maintain Your Yard– Fleas live in your yard. Keep your yard groomed, maintained and treated for fleas.

To help prevent a flea infestation of the home, keep in mind these actionable steps. But, if fleas are already an issue then it’s time to call a company for safe treatment options for your family and pets. After you have you made the call for expert pest control, you can find a list on what you should do before and after their visit here.

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