Fleas in Texas
There are over 2,500 species of fleas. Fleas are flightless and live externally on mammals.
If you’ve ever had pets, it’s possible you’ve experienced the nuisance of fleas.
Fleas also love the warm weather, so from about springtime to when the weather starts to get cooler, expect fleas to be at their worst.
Fleas come from infested animals and are usually found in or near long grass, bushes, and shady areas. If they come in contact with your pet, they attach themselves.
You can usually tell if your pet has fleas if they scratch and lick at their fur or bite at it excessively. If you see your pet exhibit any of these, find a flea treatment immediately. More than just a nuisance to your pet, a flea infection can lead to tapeworms if your pet ingests one when grooming itself, which can be lethal to your pet.
Fleas make their way into your house when a pet that is infested with fleas comes into your home. They love to live on draperies, and furniture and will shed eggs on your carpet. They can multiply quickly spreading throughout the house.
Fleas will bite both humans and animals, but it’s important to monitor your pets because flea bites can be dangerous. They spread parasites and have been known historically to spread such infectious diseases as bubonic plague and flea-borne typhus.
How do I know I have fleas in my home?
Simply put, you have an infestation if fleas are biting you. Fleas are attracted to carbon dioxide, and the more CO2 you produce, the more fleas are going to favor you.
Fleas are difficult to get rid of. Although they don’t fly, their flat bodies allow them to move easily through fur, carpet, and skin. Their exoskeletons are very strong, so crushing them is also difficult. And they move fast, very fast, so they are hard to catch.
How can I prevent fleas from getting on my pets or coming into my home?
If your pets don’t have fleas, there is almost no way your home can become infested. That said, there are several things you can do to ensure your pets stay flea-free.
- If your pet spends a lot of time outdoors, be sure to check their fur and pay attention to their behavior. Remember, excessive scratching, biting, and licking can be a sign they have fleas.
- Be sure to wash your pet’s blankets and plush toys regularly.
- Several flea-preventative medications are on the market, so ask your vet about which one works for your pet.
To keep your home free of fleas:
- Vacuum regularly – be sure to get your carpet, floors, rugs and furniture cleaned regularly and wash bedding, especially if your pet sleeps with you.
- Keep your home clean. Good sanitation is essential to avoiding flea infestation.
- Keep your yard trimmed and adequately landscaped. Long grass is a playground for fleas, so mow the grass frequently.
What do I do if I get fleas in Texas?
Fleas multiply and spread aggressively, so bathing the dog alone won’t end your flea problem if your home is infested. The fleas will just attach themselves back to the host, your pet. And that pet will continue to transport those fleas back into your home.
Make sure you also tend to your pets. Washing them with flea shampoo or even Dawn will kill the fleas, but it’s best to use a shampoo that also claims to kill the flea eggs too. To prevent future issues, be sure to use flea-preventative medication.
If you think you have a flea problem, schedule a free inspection with 855Bugs to get it under control. We can rid your home and yard of fleas so they don’t keep coming back.
