Indoor Flea Infestations Rise In Nashville Homes

During the late summer and fall months fleas can become very active and problematic for homeowners. In fact, here at All-American Pest Control we have been getting daily calls about flea infestations inside of homes. Because of this we want to provide you with some information about fleas and how you can protect yourself from becoming their next meal.

Fleas are generally brought onto your property by catching a ride on a local raccoon, deer, fox, squirrel or other wild animal. They will then search for a new host, which if it is your cat or dog means that they will soon enter into your home. But don’t think just because you don’t have indoor pets that you are safe from a flea infestation. Fleas have an impressive seven inch vertical jump, this means that they can easily jump onto you or your kids and hitch a ride inside your home.

Fleas are a dangerous pest to have living on your pets or in your home. Just one, two, or three fleas being introduced into your house can quickly lead a very large scale infestation because of their ability to breed very quickly. Fleas will not just leave you or your pets with itchy welts they can also infect you with diseases. Fleas can infect you and your pets with tapeworm, and have the ability to transfer plague and murine typhus.

There are some easy DIY tips to help prevent a flea infestation. Flea prevention tips include:

• Treating your pets with flea control and preventative under the guidance of their veterinarian.

• Making sure to regularly mow your lawn, fleas like to hide in tall grasses.

• Vacuuming your home regularly, especially in carpeted areas. Fleas love to burrow into and hide in carpets. Don't forget to vacuum the furniture, curtains, pet carriers, and even car upholstery.

• Regularly wash your pets bedding and clean the areas that they spend the most time in.

If fleas do make their way into your home and an infestation occurs, you may be tempted to try to eliminate them on your own using a flea control solution from the local big box store. However, this is not a good idea. These treatments generally don’t work because in order for them to be effective all of the adults, larvae, and eggs need to be treated which is very difficult to accomplish. Also, using chemicals to treat for fleas in your home can be dangerous if they are not mixed or placed down properly.

To eliminate fleas that are living inside of your home you should call pest professionals! A professional pest control expert has the knowledge and expertise to locate and eliminate all stages of flea activity within your home. They will inspect your home and safely get rid of your itchy unwanted house guests once and for all!