The hot weather over the last three or four weeks has impacted homeowners on everything from food prices to when they can or can’t water their lawns. To top it off the dry conditions and high heat are now impacting pest activity and not for the better.
In previous posts the Milberger Pest Control shared how rodents, ants and other pests are more aggressively seeking food and water inside homes since the naturally produced sources they rely on are no longer available due to the drought. Another pest that is benefiting from the drought is the pesky flea that seeks to irritate both pets and homeowners.
Fleas can be a problem for homeowners even if they do not own a pet. Urban wildlife including opossums, raccoons or rodents are well-known flea transporters and with wildlife populations on the rise the flea threat is greater.
These annoying, tiny insects – some fleas only measure 1/8 inch in length – prefer living in areas frequented by pets and other animals while they are on the prowl for their next meal. Fleas are typically brownish-black in color but red when full of blood after feeding.
Fleas are also quite the little athlete possessing the ability to jump 6 inches straight up thus giving them the ability to leap from the ground on to an animal or even the pant leg or shoe of an unsuspecting human.
What can homeowners do to help prevent fleas from becoming an unwanted problem for their pets and family? Milberger Pest Control offers the following suggestions:
- Regularly clean all surfaces that your pet frequents and vacuum carpets (especially under furniture), upholstered furniture, under cushions and in crevices.
- Seal vacuum bags in a plastic bag and discard it immediately after use.
- Wash pet bedding and throw rugs regularly in warm water.
- On the exterior of your home focus your efforts on areas when your pets spend time including lawns and shaded areas under landscape bushes. Keep your grass cut, and trim weeds and overgrown shrubbery that give fleas shelter.
- Talk with your veterinarian or animal groomer for recommendations on on-animal prevention and treatment options.
If you have questions on how to protect your pet and family from fleas, contact Milberger Pest Control at (913) 384-6760 or (816) 761-1313, or send an e-mail to: info@milbergerpestcontrol.com.