Bloodsucking vampires gradually colonize your pet’s body, creating irritation and spreading disease. Fleas typically migrate from outside by latching onto a pet. Though, they can just as easily latch onto your body if you’re dealing with an infested pet. From there, they can cause massive skin irritation or even allergic reactions, all while evading your sight.
Signs You Have A Flea Problem
It's hard to ignore a flea problem in your home. Here are some signs that these insects have infested your home and your pets.
- Flea eggs are a common sign. The eggs are oval-shaped. You should find them on or around your dog.
- Larvae naturally accompany these eggs. You may find one writhing beneath your dog’s fur.
- Your dog’s skin may look irritated. The bite marks should be raised and red in appearance. Your dog’s skin may become scaly and its gums pale.
- Your dog’s skin may be sensitive to touch.
- Occasionally you can detect a flea with the naked eye. Adult fleas measure at about an eighth of an inch. Unlike other similarly sized pests, fleas have a thin appearance with disproportionately large back legs.
- You can find them on your pet, on the carpet, or in your pet’s bedding.
- Fleas can jump at least 12 inches. This renders them identifiable. If you see an awfully athletic bug on you, it’s likely a flea.
- Fleas leave behind “flea dirt,” bits of dried blood, on your pet’s skin. They resemble coffee grounds.
Harm Associated With Fleas
Fleas can cause skin irritation and spread disease. Pets are especially vulnerable to flea infestations. Stay in tune with your household pet. Are they ceaselessly scratching themselves? While fleas typically bite animals, they are also likely to bite a person handling infected animals. Allergic reactions from a flea infestation can also occur in both humans and animals.
Allergic Reactions Associated With Fleas
Unfortunately, your dog is not the only one afflicted by fleas. If you’re allergic to fleas, you may experience moderate to severe symptoms:
- Itchy skin
- A rash or hives
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- A swollen face, mouth, or lips
Anaphylaxis can have life-threatening consequences. Benadryl or an EpiPen can mitigate the reaction. If you believe the allergic reaction is severe, call 911 immediately. Children are especially susceptible to severe reactions. If your child is reacting to a flea bite, dissuade him or her nm from scratching, as this can cause a secondary infection. That being said, most people will not develop noticeable symptoms from a flea bite. In general, fleas do not carry diseases.
Tips To Prevent A Flea Problem In Your Dallas Home
Fortunately, you can prevent a flea infestation before it even occurs. Here are some preventative tips:
- Because dogs typically receive fleas from outdoor spaces, limit the amount of time your pet spends outside.
- Bathe your pet regularly.
- Examine your dog's skin regularly to check for fleas.
- Vacuum regularly. This removes the adult fleas from the carpet and expels the larvae from their cocoons. Vacuuming will also enhance the efficacy of insecticide treatments. This does not, however, mean that you should spray insecticide without professional assistance. Insecticides can be toxic to pets and children. Let the professionals handle them.
- Throw away the vacuum cleaner bag.
- Clean your animal's bedding regularly.
- Clean the kennel and the dog house outside or any other areas your pet may occupy.
Professional Help From All-Safe Pest & Termite
In short, fleas are a major nuisance. They can cause massive skin irritation in the form of hives and even trigger an allergic reaction. While these symptoms are uncommon, they lead to severe and, in rare cases, fatal symptoms. As mentioned before, you should limit your pet’s time spent outdoors. It would be best if you also practiced safe hygiene inside and outside your home. However, once an infestation has taken hold of your home and the preventative tips provided above are ineffective, you need to call for professional assistance. At All-Safe Pest And Termite, we have the tools and experience to rid fleas from your Dallas home. Don't let fleas continue to make you, your children, and, of course, your pets suffer; Instead, let the professionals come to your rescue. Reach out to us today to learn more about our flea control options!