All The Ways Fleas Get Into Greensboro, NC Homes

A Friend's Pet

When a friend comes over with their dog, it is possible for a flea infestation to begin. As an animal with fleas moves around, eggs and flea dirt fall off. If these land in the same area, the larvae that hatch will have the food they need to develop into adult fleas. This can result in a flea infestation, even if you don't have pets. While fleas don't prefer human blood, it will do in a pinch. 

Wildlife

Domesticated animals aren't the only animals that can bring fleas into your home. A wild animal can bring fleas in. Some animals will only bring fleas into your yard. Some animals will bring fleas into your landscaping and into voids underneath exterior structures. Certain animals could bring fleas into your attic space. But, of all the animals that carry fleas into Greensboro homes, mice and rats are the worst. They don't just bring the fleas into attic spaces, they can spread them to every level of your home.

Furniture

When you purchase a used piece of furniture, such as an upholstered couch or chair, you could end up with a flea infestation. If the previous owner had a pet with fleas, the furniture item could have eggs, flea dirt, and flea larvae. This can be difficult to detect as flea larvae don't hop around for you to see.

How To Stop Fleas

One of the most important things you can do to prevent a flea infestation is to address wildlife activity in your yard, particularly mouse and rat activity. Wild animals bring fleas into your yard for your pets to pick up and, as we pointed out above, some animals bring fleas into your home.

• Store your bagged trash in covered containers that can't be knocked over by mid-sized animals, such as raccoons and opossums.
• Move bird feeders away from your exterior walls or get rid of them altogether. Many animals love seeds—not just birds.
• Use fencing material to prevent animals from making a den or a nest underneath structures on your property.
• Keep your grass cut and your landscaping nearly trimmed at the bottoms of your plants.
• Address any conditions that cause puddles and remove containers of water.
• Make sure your exterior is sealed and protected. Pay close attention to the seal around your exterior doors, utilities, and windows.
• Prevent animals from getting onto your roof by cutting back branches, and by putting wire mesh in downspouts.

If you have a pet, it is important to take steps to prevent fleas from getting a foothold in your home. Here are a few ways to stop them, or catch them early.

• Consult your veterinarian about whether or not a flea collar is the best choice for flea prevention for your pet and for your family.
• Do routine checks of your pet. A flea comb can help with this task. Look for flea dirt or the presence of fleas in your pet's fur or hair.
• When fleas are detected, use veterinarian-prescribed products to address the problem quickly.