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Flea Infestations In Washington D.C.: Signs, Prevention, And Treatment

flea jumping on carpet
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Flea control in Washington, D.C., is the ultimate solution to flea problems in your home. This post will walk you through the ins and outs of flea issues, the problems associated with fleas, flea prevention, and professional control options. 

There’s a common misconception that fleas only negatively impact pets and other animals, but this just isn’t the case. In reality, fleas can cause issues for humans as well, and because they’re such nimble and tiny pests, they can also be difficult to remove without professional help. 

But despite these challenges, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. You have the power to identify flea problems, take action to resolve them, and prevent future issues. Let’s dive in. 

Signs Of A Flea Infestation

The signs of fleas in your home are generally straightforward. For one, fleas are visible to the human eye despite their small size. Fleas typically appear as small, dark dots, and seeing them in motion is much easier. Fleas can jump high, relative to their size, and jumping is how to get onto and off your pets. 

Fleas also tend to leave eggs and small larvae during an infestation. These look like dark spots and often are on rugs, carpets, and other fabric surfaces, including bedding. Also, because fleas often enter homes via pets, you should pay attention to how your pets behave. If they are scratching more than usual, it may be a sign that fleas are hiding in their fur. In addition, you might start feeling itchy yourself if the fleas need more hosts.

If you’re still not sure whether your home currently has a flea problem, you can also enlist the help of a local pest control company.  

The Hidden Dangers Of Fleas: Understanding The Hazards

Many people are already aware of the problems that fleas can cause for pets. But are fleas dangerous to humans? 

Simply put, yes, fleas can be dangerous to humans. In and of themselves, flea bites aren’t especially painful. The itchiness they leave behind can be annoying, but not much more than that. Unfortunately, through their bites, fleas are also capable of spreading a number of different diseases that are potentially dangerous, such as plague, murine typhus, and tungiasis, among others. 

As mentioned earlier, fleas typically prefer to use animals as hosts, but they will also bite humans if necessary. So, a flea infestation doesn’t inherently mean you’ll be suffering flea bites and the health risks that come with them, but there is a risk. 

Simple Tips To Prevent Fleas Around Your Yard

Flea prevention is actually much simpler than you might think. Once again, pets will be a central focus of prevention efforts, but home maintenance is also an important component. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: 

  • Clean furniture often. 
  • Check your pets for signs of fleas, especially after they’ve spent time outdoors. 
  • Ask your vet about flea medication for your pets. 
  • Vacuum rugs and carpeted areas on a regular basis. 
  • Groom pets regularly; flea combs are especially useful. 
  • Limit the amount of time your pets spend outdoors. 

Keeping fleas out of the home and mitigating the propagation of fleas that have already made their way inside can drastically reduce the risks of experiencing a full-on flea infestation. 

Professional Flea Control: Stress-Free And Effective

If you’re wondering how to get rid of fleas, professional flea control is the answer. Professionals use modern techniques and equipment to locate and remove fleas from the home. Pest control professionals can also make informed recommendations for future prevention efforts. 

Contact Womack Pest Control today for flea removal service in the Washington. D.C. area.