A flea infestation can occur at any moment. There are more than 2,500 fleas throughout the world. More than 300 live inside the United States.
Just one flea can infest your pet and your home. Thankfully, it is easy to notice flea infestation signs. You just have to understand what they are. They are a pain to eliminate, and stand against all your efforts at caring for your pets; food, shelter, toys, or if you buy dog wormers
online. You really should avoid them as much as you can by keeping your pets and their space clean. Regular baths, anti-pest powder use is also necessary to reduce their spread and keep them out.
How do fleas affect your pet? What do fleas look like, and where can you find them in your house? How do flea bites affect human beings?
Answer these questions and you can make fleas flee out of your house. Here is your quick guide.
1. Your Pet Starts Scratching
The tell-tale sign of a flea infestation is when your pet starts scratching itself. They may use one of their hands, or they may scratch themselves against furniture.
Whatever they try to do, nothing works. They may scratch themselves for hours at night and not get any relief.
You should inspect your pet’s fur for fleas. Make sure the fleas cannot get on you. Wear gloves and use a magnifying glass so you don’t lean close to your pet.
Fleas are copper-red or light brown. They are very small with long legs that let them jump upward. You may see the fleas as they scurry for a hiding spot.
2. Your Pet Loses Hair
Your pet may start to lose hair without warning. They may start scratching and then lose their hair. They may lose their hair without any other symptoms.
The hair falls out in clumps around the neck and tail. The skin underneath the hair may turn red or scaly.
Keep in mind that your pet can have a number of conditions that cause them to lose their hair. You need to inspect them to see if fleas are the cause.
3. You Can See Insects
You may find fleas as they are crawling around your house. They like to hide in areas where your pets are. You can find them on furniture or in flooring.
Fleas can crawl up walls, but you will probably not find them up high. You may notice them along the bottom of your curtains or drapes.
You may be able to find larvae outside. Fleas like to lay their eggs in moist and shaded soil. Check beneath your shrubs and along your porch.
Do not confuse fleas with other pests. Some people confuse fleas with bed bugs or lice. Make sure you know what you are dealing with before you start to clean your house.
4. Fleas Hide in Your Carpet
Fleas hide most often in carpeting. You should look for them in your carpets just as you look for them in fur.
Do not stand on the carpet since fleas can crawl onto your feet. Wear shoes or boots that you can clean outside.
Get a good light source that lets you see in between the fibers in your carpet. Bend down with a magnifying glass and look for fleas.
If you see one, you have a bunch. Google “flea infestation in carpet” to see what you can do to keep the fleas from spreading.
5. You Find Flea Dirt
Flea dirt is the feces of fleas. They are dark specks that are very small, akin to black pepper. You will not be able to see them unless you use a magnifying glass.
Run a fine comb through your pet’s hair or your carpet. Place whatever it catches onto a piece of white paper. If you find small black specks, you probably have flea dirt.
Flea dirt means that fleas have been feeding for some time. They may have infested several rooms or surfaces of your house.
You will need thorough measures in order to get rid of them. Visit websites like https://www.altuspest.com/ and get advice on how you can contain the infestation. Then call a pest control service.
6. You Get Bitten
Fleas like to feed on animals, but they can jump on humans. You may not notice their bites because they are so small.
Some bites produce round red spots on the skin. The spots may itch or swell slightly. They do not bleed unless you pick at them.
Bites can induce an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include intense itching and difficulty breathing. You should go to a doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms.
Think about what could be causing your bites. Mosquito and bed bug bites can produce similar signs. If there is no apparent cause for them, you may have fleas.
7. Wild Animals Get Into Your House
Fleas in your house can come from wild animals. Skunks, squirrels, and other animals can attract fleas and sneak them indoors.
Check your house for fleas after any animal manages to get in. Look at all surfaces where they might be, especially your carpeting. Fleas can crawl through gaps in your flooring, but this is not common.
Protect your house by closing your windows, especially ones near tree branches. Fill in gaps in your fencing so a wild animal cannot scurry through.
Pets can spread fleas to wild animals and vice versa. Keep your pets behind your fences and don’t let them go near spots where wild animals live.
The Seven Signs of a Flea Infestation
There are many signs of a flea infestation. Your pet may start scratching themselves without relief. Their hair may start falling out, and red patches of skin may appear on their body.
You may find the insects as they crawl, especially inside your carpeting. You may find flea dirt on your floor.
Flea bites on humans cause red patches and itching. You may suffer an allergic reaction. A wild animal can get into your home and spread pests.
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