The Circus is Coming to Town

This attraction is certainly one you DO NOT want to attend! Fleas are not only an itchy annoyance to cats and dogs, but to humans as well. Fleas can cause allergic dermatitis and are the most common transmitter of the rare, but still present, bubonic plague. Fleas can live for about 100 days, during which time the females can produce as many as 400-500 offspring. Fleas transport themselves on rodents and other mammals, and usually remain on their hosts at all times. These pests use their powerful legs to jump as high as 8″ vertically, which is 150 times their own height. If humans could do this, we would be able to leap over skyscrapers.

INFESTATION ALERT

Fleas infest both household pets and wild animals. They can be found on shoes, pant legs or blankets, which can transfer the fleas to new environments. They also transmit the bacterial disease murine typhus to humans through infected rats. Their saliva can cause serious flea allergy dermatitis in pets and their debris has been reported to cause similar allergic reactions in humans. Fleas can transfer tapeworms and cause anemia in pets, which is why active flea management is an important component of pet care. Flea bites commonly cause painful, itchy red bumps.

WHAT DO FLEA BITES LOOK LIKE?

Flea bites appear as small, red bumps with a “halo” around the bite center. Unlike tick or mosquito bites, they remain small and usually appear in groups of three or four, or in a straight line. On humans, bites are commonly found around the ankles or legs, as well as the waist, groin, armpits, and in the skin folds of the elbows and knees.

SHUT THE CIRCUS DOWN

In order to stay safe from the potential dangers fleas can cause, an infestation needs to be permanently and professionally dealt with. In order to prevent flea bites in the first place, homeowners and businesses should contact the professionals at Hopper Termite & Pest. Regardless of whether or not you know you have a flea infestation, Hopper can ensure you never have to deal with them at all. If you suspect or discover a flea infestation, whether in your carpets, yard, or on a pet, contact Hopper Termite & Pest to assist with proper and effective flea control service. 

We have the skinny on fleas and pack a powerful punch to control all of your pest control needs!