Pet owners in Redmond do everything to keep their furry friends safe and comfortable. But, things can become stressful for owners and pets when fleas invade their homes. These tiny pests cause serious problems, requiring more than just a quick spray or bath. That is why homeowners must have knowledge of flea behavior and what they can do when these pests invade their property. This allows them to take proper Redmond pest control near me.
How Fleas Get Inside
Fleas are most active during the warmer months, but Redmond pets are active year-round. Thus, fleas can be a problem anytime. Your dog or cat can pick up fleas from the yard, on walks, at the dog park, or from other animals. These pests can multiply quickly once they are inside your home. A single flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day that can fall off your pet into your carpet, couch, or bedding.
Signs to Watch For
Your pet may be the first one to notice a flea problem. They might be scratching more than usual, biting at their legs or tail, or acting restless. Flea dirt is another sign. You may spot it on your pet’s skin or in their bedding. Pets can develop irritated skin, hot spots, or anemia in more serious infestations. Fleas can also spread tapeworms and other parasites, so act quickly if you think your pet is infested.
Treating Your Pet Isn’t Enough
Many pet owners treat their animals and think the job is done. But the eggs and larvae may already be in your home by the time you notice fleas. You will need to treat both your pet and your home. This usually means vacuuming thoroughly and frequently, washing all bedding in hot water, and using flea treatments recommended by your vet. You may also need to treat your yard if fleas are living in shaded or damp areas where your pet likes to play.
Call in the Professionals When It Gets Tough
You may need to seek professional help if you have tried everything and the fleas keep coming back. Pointe Pest Control understands how frustrating flea infestations can be for Redmond pet owners. Founder Jacob Borg and his team take a friendly and thorough approach to pest problems, offering family- and pet-friendly solutions. Their treatments focus on indoor and outdoor areas, ensuring that fleas cannot come back. Plus, they will help you figure out what steps to take going forward, so your home stays flea-free.
Pay Attention to the Yard
Fleas also love shady and moist spots outside. That is why you must include your yard in your flea prevention plan. Keep your grass trimmed, clean up leaf piles, and avoid letting pets rest in areas that stay damp. You can also treat your yard with pet-safe products designed to kill flea eggs and larvae before they make their way indoors. Wildlife that visits your yard might also bring fleas with them. Blocking access to crawl spaces, trash bins, and pet food left outside can help reduce the risk of re-infestation.
The Flea Life Cycle Should be Considered
Fleas move through four stages. The pupal stage is the most challenging to deal with, as the flea is wrapped in a cocoon and can stay dormant for weeks or months until conditions are right. Thus, you could treat your home and think the fleas are gone, only to have a new hatch later on.
You can deal with this with consistent and repeated treatments. Vacuuming frequently helps remove eggs and larvae. Also, keeping up with your pet’s flea prevention routine ensures adult fleas can’t survive long enough to lay more eggs.