If you have pets, chances are you've dealt with fleas. These tiny, parasitic pests can drive both you and your pets crazy. The cat flea is the most common on Long Island. Despite its name, it will infest any mammal, including dogs, cats, rodents, and even humans.
At Parkway Pest Services, we know the issues that fleas can cause and what to do about them. We have provided professional, high-quality Long Island pest control since 1932. We can help protect your home from fleas and other common pests in the area.
How To Tell If You Are Dealing With A Flea Infestation
Fleas are tiny pests, measuring only about ⅛ of an inch full grown. While they are visible to the naked eye, they can be challenging to spot. Because of how hard it can be to see, it is essential to know how to identify a flea infestation.
Here are some of the signs of a flea infestation in your home to be on the lookout for:
- Scratching
- Hair loss
- Red bumps
- Tiny black specks on carpets, rugs, and pets' bedding
If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a flea infestation in your home. Contact us immediately for a thorough inspection so one of our trained technicians can confirm the presence of fleas in your home and determine what to do to remove them.
Fleas Can Be Harmful To Both Pets And People
Fleas are so tiny that they may seem harmless. But this is far from the case. Fleas are one of the most common transmitters of the bubonic plague. They can also spread murine typhus to humans and tapeworms that cause anemia in pets. Flea bites are also incredibly itchy. If you scratch them aggressively and open the wound, you expose yourself to the possibility of infection.
Despite their small size, the dangers of fleas in your home can be significant. At Parkway Pest Services, we can keep you, your family, and your pets protected from the risks of these small but annoying pests.
The Best Way To Completely Eliminate A Flea Infestation
When it comes to eliminating a flea infestation, there is no substitute for professional help. Don't waste time with do-it-yourself flea solutions. Store-bought treatments can kill adult fleas, but most do nothing to eliminate larvae or eggs. Vacuuming will remove some fleas but is almost sure to miss some, meaning the infestation will continue to grow.
If you are dealing with an active flea infestation, call us immediately. We can develop a flea control plan for your home that quickly eliminates the fleas and keeps them from coming back.
Five Naturally Effective Ways To Prevent Future Flea Infestations
Fleas are natural hitchhikers. That means they can gain access to your home in various ways, making them very difficult to prevent. However, there are some steps you can take to prevent fleas.
Here are five ways to prevent fleas naturally:
- Keep grass and bushes trimmed to limit flea habitats
- Vacuum your home frequently
- Treat your pets with vet-approved flea control medicine
- Wash your pet's bedding weekly
- Steam-clean your carpets
While these tips will help keep fleas out of your home, there is no substitute for professional flea control.
If you are dealing with an active flea infestation or want to ensure you have a plan to keep your home flea free, call us today. One of our trained technicians will inspect your home and develop a home pest control plan to keep you and your family protected from fleas and other common Long Island pests.