Fleas

What Every Columbus, OH Resident Should Know About Fleas

There is no doubt, the flea species is one of the most excruciatingly difficult insects to tackle. While they target your pets – canines (dogs), felines (cats), and birds – you get your fair share of aggravation as well. Homes with animals are the most commonly targeted flea areas. However, no home is 100 percent protected against flea infestations. Your house can be within a mile of the closest pet home and still be a target. How is this possible? First and foremost, fleas are notorious travelers. They will hop on an unexpected human or animal victim and travel all over the world. And, before you know it, it is right on your doorstep. In Columbus, Ohio, and other US states, fleas are a common pest problem and a growing health concern.

Most Common Flea Species In Columbus Ohio

There are several flea species found in Columbus, Ohio, with the common being the cat flea. This species is Ctenocephalides Felis, better known as the common cat flea. Adult cat fleas measures around 1/8” in length, with a slender, flat body, which makes them easy to identify compared to the louse and bed bug. The flat body allows the flea easy access through animal fur and speedy getaways. Fleas can easily move between each hair follicle to escape danger when the victim decides a scratch is necessary. Contrary to belief, the cat flea species is not only a feline problem, as it has been shown to target all kinds of domesticated and wild animals, such as fox, raccoon, opossums, deer, skunks, and dogs. Fleas indoor environments with animals, but nothing is considered off-limits. They will hop onto your clothes, shoes, or accessories and utilize their tiny pinchers to hang on for dear life.

What Is A Flea Bite?

A flea bite is the result of feeding. Fleas survive on blood from animals and humans. For healthy people, the flea bite does not pose a health risk other than a mild allergic reaction. For immunocompromised people and in severe cases, a flea bite could result in a severe allergic reaction, anemia, and potentially death. Flea bites have also been linked to the tapeworm,  resulting in an intestinal infection.

Flea Infestation Prevention Methods

Flea infestations are among some of the most difficult to treat, which is why it is crucial to prevent them right from the get-go. The only way to protect your home from fleas is with a strong pest barrier, which can be created from scratch. The barrier combined with flea awareness will go a long way in keeping your property flea-free. Here is how to create a flea barrier around your home:

• Do not adopt a dog or cat without the proper research. These pets are lovely, but it takes a lot of work to keep them healthy, content, and flea-free.
• Treat your pets with anti-parasitic flea deterrence.
• Keep your lawn neat and tidy. Never let your grass grow taller than three inches between each mow.
• Do not encourage wild animals to enter your property. Keep your trash stored in sealed containers, where it will be out of reach to wild animals.
• Install a wooden or metal barrier around your property to keep wild animals out.
• Install barriers constructed of wood, concrete, or other durable material around low profile decks and porches to keep wild animals out.
• Conduct routine visual inspections of your pets’ fur and bedding.
• Keep pet bedding neat and tidy at all times.
• Routine vacuuming of carpet, pet bedding, drapery, upholstery furniture, wallboards, floorboards, and other high flea-trafficked areas.

What most people do not know about fleas is they do not have flying capabilities. However, they can jump far distances, giving the illusion of flying. Flea infestations are extremely difficult to tackle. Even with experience, it can be extremely difficult to eradicate a flea infestation fully. We believe it is in your pets’ best interest to opt for professional flea control, which consists of commercial-grade pest solutions. We only utilize pesticides and other flea products that have been approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The agency has deemed these products “safe” when utilized properly. If you reside in Columbus, Ohio, and dealing with a flea problem do not hesitate to reach out to us.

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