Fleas are dangerous pests that are difficult to remove once they're in your home. But how did they get in your Auburn home in the first place? Find out how fleas enter your home and learn what you can do to keep them out in the future.
Fleas In Auburn
Fleas are wingless, small insects that affect homeowners across the country. They feed off human and animal hosts, sucking their blood and leaving behind bites as they eat. Despite their small size, fleas are visible to the human eye. If you look closely, you might notice that they are brown and have surprisingly long back legs.
It's easy to confuse a flea for a particle of dirt. However, these pests are much more dangerous than dirt. Fleas can transmit diseases to humans and pets, some of which are lethal.
Where They Come From
There are two ways in which fleas enter your home. First, there's the possibility that the fleas came from your pet. If you have a dog, fleas could enter your home via their fur. Even if you use a flea preventative to keep out fleas, the preventative might not work.
Fleas could also come into your yard by other means. In addition to feeding off of pets and humans, fleas also feed on animals, so the wildlife in your yard could bring fleas with them. Once in your backyard, fleas could find their way onto you or into your home.
Once inside your home, fleas will look for a place to hide. They could hide in your furniture, bedding, or carpet. Eventually, these pests will need to feed. They will seek out warmth and moisture and feed on you and your family.
What Happens Once Fleas Enter Your Home
Fleas are rapid breeders, so it doesn't take long for the population to multiply. One female lays 20 eggs at a time, and she doesn't wait to lay another round of eggs. On a daily basis, a female flea lays up to 40 eggs. The eggs hatch into larvae within two days or two weeks, depending on the amount of available heat.
It only takes a few weeks for flea larvae to turn into pupae, and then to become adults. As soon as a flea becomes an adult, it lays eggs within days. Because of their short life cycle, fleas can take over your home in record time.
What Can You Do To Keep Fleas Out
Now that you know how fleas end up in your home, there's an important question to answer. How can you keep fleas from coming back? With these tips, you can keep fleas away.
Give Pets A Flea Preventative
If you have cats or dogs, you should administer a strong and effective flea preventative. Keep in mind that some over-the-counter flea medications or collars aren't very effective.
Clean Your Yard
You can't give wildlife flea medication, but you can keep them out of your yard. To do this, maintain a clean yard. If you make a debris pile, clean it up as soon as possible. Mow your lawn regularly and keep your shrubs and trees trimmed.
If you have bird feeders in your yard, know that they could attract wildlife. You're better off watching the birds in the wild.
Know The Signs
Finally, you should know the signs of a flea infestation. If you see anyone scratching or find flea bites on a pet or person, don't hesitate to call in the professionals.
Work With A Professional
For more flea prevention help or assistance, contact the professionals at Prewett Pest Control. We're ready to help you prevent and eliminate fleas from your home.