Many people say that Aiken is the horse country of South Carolina, but many homeowners still love keeping dogs and cats around as well. From the farmhouses to the neighborhoods, keeping pets on your property can often bring unwanted flea problems. And, unfortunately, even the Aiken homeowners who don’t have any animals on their property can still have issues with fleas control as well.
Flea Frustrations
Fleas may be small, but they can cause a variety of problems for Aiken homeowners. These parasites will latch on to any warm-blooded animal to feed, often transmitting dangerous diseases to their host. They were originally responsible for the bubonic plague (as they gave it to rats who gave it to humans), and they can still transfer this disease to humans today. While they cannot fly, they’re resourceful enough to still cause problems on your property, too.
Many people think that pets are the only animals that can bring fleas into your home. However, rodents and other animals are the ones bringing fleas onto your property in the first place, both in the yard and in the house. If you have squirrels, rats, foxes, coyotes, or any other wild animals spending time in your backyard, then the fleas could easily wind up in the grass. When you take a stroll around the lawn, these fleas might just hitch a ride into your home by hanging on to your pants and shoes.
The most frustrating thing about fleas is that simply brushing them off of your pets outside doesn’t always keep them from coming inside.. Oftentimes, fleas who latch on to a dog, cat, or wild animal will immediately lay eggs. These eggs will remain on the animal’s skin until they shake them off. Dogs and cats can easily spread flea eggs anywhere around your house, so even if you checked your pet thoroughly before bringing them inside, you’re still at risk of a dangerous flea infestation.
Prevention Predicaments
Preventing fleas is a two-part strategy for pet owners. First of all, you need to have your pets treated with flea and tick medications prescribed by a professional veterinarian. That will help repel fleas from laying eggs on your pets and can limit your chances of an infestation. You’ll still want to brush your pets regularly and check them before they come inside.
The second part of a good prevention strategy is for pet owners and non-pet owners alike: find ways to keep wildlife off of your property. Wild rodents and animals are the most common causes of fleas in the yard, so keeping them out can help you limit infestations. The best ways to do this include:
- Clearing clutter in the yard
- Mowing the lawn evenly to prevent moisture buildup
- Storing pet food and birdseed properly
- Picking up fruit that has fallen on the ground
- Utilizing secure outdoor trash cans
How To Keep My Aiken Home Safe From Fleas
While this can help limit the presence of wild animals and the ensuing flea problems, there are no guarantees when it comes to mother nature. You could still wind up with a flea infestation in your home very easily. The Internet may claim that vacuuming and spraying down your carpets can get rid of a flea infestation, but these home remedies can be disappointingly inconsistent. With diseases threatening both your family and your pets, do you want to take a chance on the inconsistent results of DIY (do it yourself) methods? The best way to get and keep fleas out for good is to call the pros. For more flea prevention help or assistance, contact the professionals at Aiken Pest Control today!