Winning The Battle Against Fleas In Your Charlotte Home
August 18, 2023
Fleas can quickly turn a cozy Charlotte home into an itchy nightmare. Fleas and their bites cause discomfort and pose health risks to humans and pets, from typhus to cat-scratch disease to tapeworm. That's why we at Go-Forth Pest Control recommend contacting our Charlotte pest control experts immediately if you discover a flea infestation.
Today, we've put together this guide to help you through the process of identifying fleas, understanding the diseases they can spread, the best way to get rid of fleas, and practical tips to prevent future flea problems. By following the steps below, you can win the battle against fleas and restore peace to your home.
How To Tell If It's Fleas In Your Home
Identifying fleas is the first step in discovering a possible infestation. Look out for the following signs of fleas in your home:
- Flea bites usually appear as small, red bumps in clusters or lines on the skin. They often include intense itching and discomfort.
- If your pets are excessively scratching, biting, or grooming themselves, it may indicate a flea infestation.
- Check carpets, furniture, pet bedding, and pets for flea dirt (tiny black specks resembling pepper). This flea feces consists of digested blood.
By recognizing these signs, you can take the necessary steps to combat fleas and restore comfort to your Charlotte home. You can also avoid the diseases that fleas spread.
The Diseases Fleas Are Known To Spread
Fleas are not just a nuisance; they can also transmit diseases to humans and animals. According to the CDC, some common diseases spread by fleas include:
- Cat-scratch disease: Caused by the bacteria Bartonella henselae, this disease can be transmitted when an infected flea bites a cat, and the cat subsequently scratches or bites a human.
- Murine typhus: Fleas that infest rats can carry the bacteria Rickettsia typhi, which can cause murine typhus in humans. Fleas transmit this to humans through their bites or people coming in contact with flea feces.
- Tapeworm infestations: Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae. When pets ingest fleas while grooming themselves, they can become infected with tapeworms.
Flea diseases pose a significant threat to both humans and animals. Common flea diseases like cat-scratch disease, murine typhus, and tapeworm infestations highlight the importance of addressing flea infestations promptly to protect the health and well-being of both your family and furry companions.
The Best Way To Completely Get Rid Of A Flea Infestation
Since flea-borne diseases are a real threat to human and pet health, it's best to contact professionals to eliminate a flea infestation completely. DIY methods will only provide temporary relief, not long-term solutions.
Pest control professionals have extensive knowledge of flea behavior, habits, and effective treatment methods. They understand the life cycle of fleas and target each stage, from eggs to adults, ensuring thorough eradication.
Practical Tips To Prevent Future Flea Infestations In Your Home
To effectively prevent a flea infestation, a multi-step approach is necessary:
- Thoroughly vacuum your home, paying special attention to areas where your pets spend time. Dispose of the vacuum bag or clean the canister to remove captured fleas.
- Wash your pet's bedding, as well as any other fabric items, in hot water.
- Consult your veterinarian for appropriate flea treatments for your pets. Regularly use veterinarian-approved flea control products to kill adult fleas and prevent further infestations.
While DIY methods help temporarily, professional flea pest control services in Charlotte offer specialized knowledge and effective treatments to prevent future flea infestations.
Contact our Charlotte pest control experts at Go-Forth Pest Control to schedule a consultation and long-term prevention plan today.
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