Fleas are, in the grand scheme of things, a minor irritant for most people in Florida. However, ignoring a flea problem could become a serious issue for your family – especially for your pets. When allowed to fester, fleas can seriously impact the quality of life of our pets. They can irritate them, leading to significant scratching to try and ease the itching that comes from the presence of fleas. Fleas can infect more than just pets, though, so even those Floridians who do not have pets should be wary.
Fleas, like bed bugs, live on blood – either from humans or mammals. They can transmit dangerous illnesses if allowed to work their wicked way. They are usually around one-tenth of an inch in size, too, so good luck spotting one with the naked. Cycle through the fur of your pet, though, and you should see the fleas moving around. Reddish-brown in color, it is quite easy to mistake a flea for a bed bug due to their similar hue and size. Fleas, though, can jump large distances if allowed to move around.
Fleas typically make their way into our homes by transporting themselves in on the fur of an animal. However, they can even enter your home by using other pests like rats or other rodents like squirrels. Fleas breed at ridiculous levels, with the female flea creating hundreds of eggs alone. A few fleas, then, can soon turn into thousands if the problem is left unchecked.
Before you know it, they infest your carpets, upholstery, and bedding. They can cause us to feel extremely itchy, and in some cases, they can even lead to flea bites that cause allergic reactions. In more serious cases, you can end up with conditions like tapeworm, parasitic infections, or even typhus. Fleas can be wiped out in your home by using various treatments that an expert can recommend. Most of the time, they will be wiped out using chemical treatments and preventative measures.