Many people think of fleas as something only pet owners have to deal with. Fleas most commonly affect cats, dogs, and other household pets. However, fleas sometimes target humans as well, so it's important you know how to deal with them. If you think your home might have a serious flea problem, the best thing you can do is contact a professional pest control company, such as All-Safe Pest & Termite. We've been the premier Houston pest control company for years and are always ready to help homeowners with their pest problems. This article will examine some similarities between fleas and ticks, the dangers of fleas in your home, and a few things you can do to deter them.
The Ways Fleas And Ticks Are Similar
The major difference between fleas and ticks is that they are from different animal families; fleas are insects, and ticks are arachnids. They are, however, similar in many ways. Both fleas and ticks have a flattened appearance; fleas are flattened from side to side, and ticks are flattened from top to bottom. Both are very small and difficult to spot. Fleas are usually slightly smaller, about an eighth of an inch long or less, while some ticks can average around half an inch. Fleas and ticks both feed on the blood of their hosts and are known to infest pets. Both spread diseases through their bites that can be very dangerous.
Now that you know some of the similarities between fleas and ticks, let's look at some of the dangers fleas can present.
Are Fleas Dangerous?
As mentioned above, fleas feed on the blood of their hosts. They are very difficult to detect because of their small size. You are more likely to notice flea bites before you see the fleas themselves. Flea bites result in itchy and sometimes painful red bumps with a ring or halo around the center. Flea bites usually appear in groups. The saliva from these bites can cause severe allergic reactions in both pets and humans. Fleas in Houston are the most common transmitters of the bubonic plague. They can also transmit bacterial diseases to humans and tapeworms to pets. Pets can also contract anemia from fleas.
Some Household Items That Will Deter Fleas
Now that we've examined some of the common risks that fleas pose to your pets and family, we'll look at some steps you can take to deter fleas from entering your Houston home:
- Make sure your pets have vet-approved flea treatments.
- Clean pet bedding and other linens and vacuum carpets frequently.
- Diatomaceous earth, rosemary, and baking soda may help deter fleas.
- Over-the-counter flea sprays and similar products can keep fleas away from you and your pets.
It's important to keep in mind that while some of these steps may help keep fleas away, they won't get rid of a flea infestation. Fleas can breed very quickly, and getting rid of them completely on your own is nearly impossible. A professional Houston flea control company is your best ally when dealing with fleas.
How To Get Fleas Out Of Your Home For Good
If you need flea control in Houston, Texas, All-Safe Pest & Termite are experts you can trust. We've been serving the Houston area for decades, and we guarantee the effectiveness of all our services. Our technicians are extensively trained and fully equipped to handle any number of pest problems, and we tailor our treatments to each customer's unique situation. We even offer free estimates, so you know what you're getting before you buy. Contact All-Safe Pest & Termite today for help, and to learn more about our residential and commercial pest control services in Houston.