The Facts About Fleas.

If you are a pet owner or have wildlife in your yard you should prepare for a potential encounter with fleas.  While mostly considered nuisance pests, fleas are not only a danger to pets, they may pose serious health risks to people as well. Fleas are known to transmit typhus and plague by vectoring the disease-causing bacteria to a host through their bites. In Michigan, Ohio and throughout the Midwest, Fleas are a prime annoyance and cause for concern.

What Type of Flea Is Most Common in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana?

While there are many types of fleas, the most prevalent in our area are Cat Fleas (Ctenocephalides Felis). Adults of this species are about 1/8 of an inch long and flattened laterally so that they look very slim when viewed from above (unlike bed bugs and lice). This body shape allows them to effortlessly slide between the hairs on an animal’s body and quickly escape capture by sluggish fingers. Unfortunately, the common name incorrectly suggests that cat fleas will be found primary on felines. To the contrary they can be found on many mammals including dogs, opossums, raccoons, skunks, and fox. They have been known to enter homes even when pets are not present.  Although less likely, it is possible for fleas to attach to shoes and clothes.  

Flea Bites:

Flea bites may lead to pet hair loss from constant scratching or flea allergy dermatitis, which is an allergic reaction to the proteins in flea saliva. In large infestations, severe blood loss and anemia or even death may result. Fleas are also hosts of tapeworms that can infect indoor pets and sometimes even humans.

How to Prevent Flea Infestations:

When it comes to fleas, prevention is much easier than trying to eliminate them once they're established in your home. While you can’t completely eliminate your risk of exposure you can minimize it. Here are some helpful tips to prevent fleas from entering your home or lingering on your property this summer;

• Think twice about getting a pet if you aren't going to properly protect the animal against fleas.
• Keep your pets on a regularly applied anti-parasite medication that is labeled for flea prevention and control.
• Mow your lawn frequently to reduce the humidity at ground level. Aim for a grass height of 3 inches or less
• Don’t feed wildlife on your property and consider fencing to keep larger wildlife and your neighbors’ pets out of your yard.
• If you have a low deck outside install heavy gauge wire or another barricade to prevent wildlife from harboring underneath it.
• Inspect your pets and their beds for fleas and “flea dirt” regularly.  Before you apply any flea treatments or use any flea and tick products on your pets consult your veterinarian.  
• Wash your pet bedding frequently.
• Vacuum areas such as carpet and furniture where pets frequently rest to remove flea eggs.

Although you cannot fully prevent fleas from entering your home or residing on your property you can minimize your risk.  At Rose Pest Solutions we encourage you to be mindful of pests especially during summer when they are active. If you live in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana or elsewhere in our service area and need help with fleas, please contact us.

Contact your nearest Rose Pest Solutions service center immediately for an appointment.
In many cases, we can respond within 24-48 hours.