Fun facts about fleas:
- Fleas are an invasive species.
- Fleas are only 1/8″ long.
- The highest flea jump recorded was 13inches.
- Fleas cannot fly; they can only jump.
- Oriental Rat Fleas were responsible for the Black Plague in the mid-1300s. That pandemic killed over a third of the population of Europe.
- Fleas have been used as biological weapons.
- If flea infestations go unchecked, your pet could be at risk for illness or death.
- Your pet can succumb to fleas, despite the cold weather. (source)
Thrive Pest Control finds these facts fascinating. But they stop being fascinating when they invade homes. The staff of Thrive Pest Control is well acquainted with fleas. The real question is how did they get in the house.
Let’s take a look at where they started. Scientists believe the first fleas made an appearance when mammals were beginning to walk the earth. They chose mammals to hide in fur and begin feeding.
So how do my pets get fleas?
- From your lawn. Fleas jump on and off mammals as a means of transportation. If your dog is the only pet in your yard, think again. Every mouse, squirrel, cat, deer, and rabbit can leave fleas in your yard only to be picked up by your pet. Flea eggs and larva can find their way into your pet’s droppings. How many times has your dog rolled in something you wish they hadn’t. Has your cat brought you a mouse as a gift? The fleas could have been on the mouse.
- From the Bark Park or kennel: Fleas are the best jumpers in the animal kingdom. When a dog plays with other dogs, fleas can make the jump to the new host. If you leave your dog in a kennel, there is always a chance that one dog has fleas. If the kennel is conscientious, it will check every dog upon arrival but, there is always an unforeseen incident.
- Cats can be a victim of a flea infestation just as easily as a dog. A dirty litter box is the first place to look. If your cat has captured and ingested any rodent, it may have eaten some of the eggs and larva. Those will make their way through the digestive system and into the litter box. If a cat uses another’s litter box, fleas can be transferred with a simple step.
- Your home: There are so many places fleas could hide in your house; doggie beds, dog houses, sofas, even in your bed if your dog spends time there. It would be advisable to visit your vet, get a good remedy for fleas, so a reinfestation doesn’t occur. A home could be immaculate, however; it doesn’t matter how much you clean your house or vacuum your carpets; fleas will still make an appearance. Start by washing anything that would be suspect for fleas. Bedding, furniture, linens, and pillows harbor these insects. Have your home inspected by Thrive Pest Control anytime you are uncertain about the existence of fleas.
Thrive Pest Control understands how difficult it is to rid your home of fleas. Let one of our technicians visit your home and make suggestions on how to solve the flea problem. We will create a plan to combat pests and give you suggestions to keep them from returning.
Thrive Pest Control is a family-owned and operated company that takes pride in keeping our community healthy and safe. Pests can invade your home any time of year; call us; we are here to help.
