What Costa Mesa Residents Need To Know About The Dangers Of Fleas

Costa Mesa residents love spending time outdoors, whether for picnics, outdoor sports, or barbecues. But outdoor recreation has its downsides, too. The same environment that allows us to spend so much time outdoors is also hospitable to a number of pests, including fleas. Fleas are tiny and commonplace, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a threat. They have been the initiators of some of the most serious plagues in history. This is because the insects go from humans to animals, biting them and sucking their blood. Between their ability to transmit disease and the fact that they procreate at a fast pace, they can’t be underestimated. Learn more about these fleas in Costa Mesa so you can prevent them with Smart Pest Control.

Where Do Fleas Come From? What Are the Risks? 

At just 1/10 of an inch long, fleas are very difficult to see. Their small reddish-brown bodies are compact and sleek. These insects are known for gliding across wide distances, but they don’t have any wings; it’s their legs that help them jump into the hairs of animals or onto the clothes of humans. They’ll hang on until you’re inside your home or business, and then they’ll crawl off to areas frequented by your pets, as well as nestling in carpeting and fabrics. If they are ever without a pet host, they’ll scavenge until they find a human or pest, like a squirrel or rodent, to bite.    You'll know you have a flea infestation in your Costa Mesa home if you notice any of the following signs:

• Noticing that your domestic animal is repeatedly scratching itself 

• Discovering bites on your body that are itchy and red

• Seeing pepper-like fecal particles on rugs and pet bedding

• Finding eggs around floor voids, animal bedding, carpets, and furniture

Not just limited to plagues, fleas can also spread parasitic bacterial diseases, tapeworms, typhus, and other illnesses. With their bites come allergy responses and skin irritation for some people. Those who live or spend time in properties with intense infestations may become anemic, as their blood will be absorbed by fleas recurrently. It would be challenging to not scratch a bump, but doing so has its own consequences; you could cut your skin open, which could lead to bacterial exposure and secondary infections.

Typically, people come in contact with fleas by going into their habitat. These bugs flourish in vegetated, grassy, and woody locations, and they accumulate in ditches and around ponds. If a space has plenty of sand, shade, or moisture, it’s ideal for them. When they’re on a property, you’ll find them under shrubs, organic debris, rocks, and porches. Whether they’re indoors or outdoors, reproduction is easy for them. 

How Can Fleas Be Prevented? 

Fleas can be an issue for any home or business, even if there are no domestic animals present. You have to be steadfast in your flea prevention efforts: 

• Trim your grass and greenery on a regular basis.

• Use gravel around your property’s perimeter. Avoid soil. 

• Discuss flea blockage and treatment with your pet’s veterinarian. 

• Routinely inspect and maintain your animal’s coat. 

• Vacuum all rugs and carpets often. 

• Examine second-hand rugs and furnishings prior to use.  

• Call Smart Pest Control if you have pests that fleas might infest. 

What Can Smart Pest Control Do About Fleas?

Smart Pest Control employs experienced technicians who will apply custom flea treatments that no flea will survive. We'll address both the interior and exterior of your property, utilizing protection barrier solutions to treat your infestation. All of our products are safe for humans and pets, and our affordable services come with follow-up visits, guarantees, and more. Call today for a free inspection.