It’s no fun dealing with fleas, and just when you think you’ve got them under control and your pet is free of them, there they are again. With the seasonal heat and humidity that Arlington can experience, fleas can become a persistent problem if not quickly dealt with. From itchy pets to flea eggs lodged into carpets and upholstery, the tiny pest is a force nothing short of formidable.
In this post, we’ll show you what to look for to determine if a flea infestation is to blame, what the health hazards are, and the best ways to rid your animals and your house of these pests for good. Learn more here.
Signs of a Flea Infestation
- Pets Scratching More Than Usual: Dogs and cats that scratch, bite, or lick at themselves more than normal, especially around the tail, neck, and belly could be a sign of flea bites (or other parasites if the pet is not treated with a flea control.
- Small Red Bumps or Scabs: Flea bites result in a small, red, and itchy bump. Hair loss or scabs from scratching can also appear in the pet.
- Flea Dirt: This appears to be pepper on your pet’s skin or bedding. What many pet owners don’t know is that flea dirt is flea poop, and it can appear reddish when wet as beyond the feces are traces of ingested blood.
- Adult Fleas or Eggs: You can spot fleas crawling along the fur of your pet or even small white eggs in the fibers of carpet, corners of furniture, or their bed.
How to Get Rid of Fleas on Pets
Treat your pets to help break the flea life cycle! Here’s what you should do to make that happen:
Look for Treatments and Medications Recommended by a Vet
Ask your vet about spot-on treatments, pills or collars that work best for your pet, given its size and breed. Products such as Frontline, NexGard and Revolution are popular prescriptions that kill fleas at multiple life stages.
Give Flea Baths and Combs
Bathe your pet one or two times a week with a shampoo especially suited for fleas, and use a fine-toothed flea comb around the ears and base of the tail to catch adult fleas and eggs. When it comes to disposing of fleas, always do so in soapy water, so they don’t jump back.
Treat Everyone, Including Pets in the Home
Eliminate Fleas in Your Arlington Home: Fleas deposit hundreds of eggs in your home — on carpets, upholstery and bedding. Adult fleas don’t solve the problem; you also need larvae and eggs.
Vacuum Thoroughly and Often: Vacuum carpets, rugs, and furniture every day, paying particular attention to corners and baseboards where fleas prefer to hang out. Throw away vacuum bags right away, or dump the canister into a sealed garbage bag outside.
Wash Everything in Hot Water: Bedding, blankets, pet beds and soft toys should be laundered in hot water weekly to destroy any remaining eggs or larvae.
Use Flea Sprays or Foggers: You can apply a flea insect growth regulator (IGR) spray or flea fogger in areas of heavy infestations. Here’s how they work: These shampoos and sprays do kill adult fleas and prevent more eggs from developing. Follow the instructions to the letter and bring in professional pest control if the invasion is severe.
Outdoor Control
Fleas often start outside. But mow the lawn, clear away debris and spray shady damp spots with outdoor flea sprays. If you reside near parks or green belts in Arlington, wildlife such as squirrels and raccoons can introduce fleas into your yard as well — you might treat the perimeter of your home too.
When to Reach Out to a Pest Control Professional in Arlington
Infestations might require professional exterminators using stronger treatments that kill all flea life stages, and they can sweep through your home to uncover any hiding flea populations. Seek out a pest company specifically experienced in dog or pet-friendly treatments and make sure to inquire about follow-up visits until the problem is put to rest.