10 Common Myths About Fleas
Did you know that Mosquito Joe not only provides mosquito and tick control services, but flea control services, as well? Since we have found that there are common misconceptions about fleas and their impact on pets, Mosquito Joe of Kentuckiana is here to decipher facts from fiction. Think you know about fleas’ impact on pets? Test your knowledge with these common myths.
Myth 1: A healthy pet won’t get fleas.
While it’s not a guarantee, it is true that a healthy animal is a much less attractive host for fleas. That’s one of many good reasons to feed a high-quality diet of natural food. However, even a healthy pet can get fleas in heavily infested regions, so keep a watchful eye out and contact Mosquito Joe if fleas become a nuisance.
Myth 2: Fleas can fly.
Fleas cannot fly, but they can jump up to a foot high from host to host.
Myth 3: Fleas live on pets, not in houses.
Fleas usually enter the house on pets, but they can quickly make themselves comfortable in the house. Fleas love carpets, bedding, pet beds, and upholstered furniture. If you find fleas in the house, you must take quick action to remove them there (as well as on your pet, and even in your yard).
Myth 4: Keeping a house clean will prevent fleas.
Unfortunately, fleas can overrun even the cleanest of homes. One of the best ways to get rid of the eggs, larvae, and pupae is simply vacuuming your home, washing your dog beds, and getting your house treated. To add an extra layer of protection to your home, it is important to get rid of fleas in your yard, as well. Mosquito Joe will treat your property with a barrier treatment in order to prevent flea infestation moving forward.
Myth 5: After the flea treatment is over, pet owners can rest assured.
The fact is, fleas can return after a few months. Their bites are itchy, their saliva can be an allergen causing rashes, and they can cause skin problems when your cat or dog scratches incessantly. What many people don’t realize is that fleas actually carry diseases just like mosquitoes and ticks. Therefore, flea control should be a continuous process.
Myth 6: A flea infestation is easy to deal with.
A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day. That means that a single female flea can cause a major infestation in less than two months! Also, a single flea can consume nearly 15 times her own body weight in blood every day. These pests can live for nearly 3 months which can cause a great deal of anxiety to your pet.
Myth 7: Pets have to go outside to get fleas.
Although it is true that your animal’s risk of picking up fleas increases the more they go outside, your pet can still get fleas even if they spend all their time indoors. These pesky fleas can still inhabit your home by jumping on your clothing, other people or other animals.
Myth 8: If I only see a couple fleas on my pet, it’s not a big deal.
More than 90% of a flea population is in the egg and other non-adult stages, all of which take place off the pet, usually in carpet, bedding, or furniture, or shady areas in the yard where pets usually hang out. If you see a couple fleas, it’s certain that there are hundreds of eggs and immature stages in the environment. There’s no quick fix, but much observance and persistence can get rid of even the most stubborn infestations.
Myth 9: Treating just the pet for fleas is all you need to do.
Merely treating only the pet for fleas is not enough. Fleas should be controlled on the pet itself and its environment.
Myth 10: Pets only need to be treated during summertime.
Fleas prefer warm weather, but that doesn’t mean they go away during the winter months. They can either seek shelter in warmer areas by entering your home, or they can also lay dormant until the weather begins to warm up. This can cause for an itchy start to spring. Year-round control is important so you can remain protected during every season.
Give your yard and pets flea-dom
If you have pets, veterinarians recommend a flea and tick preventative given once a month during all seasons. Mosquito Joe of Kentuckiana can be your second line of defense against fleas (plus, mosquitoes and ticks!) by treating your yard to keep it flea-free. As a homeowner and pet owner, it’s important to keep your outdoor space safe for your family and furry friends — and Mosquito Joe’s flea control treatment is one of the best ways to accomplish this. Rather than wait to ward off fleas after they arrive, you can establish a barrier that eliminates the cause for concern and allows children and pets to play safely outdoors. Let Mosquito Joe be your second line of defense against disease-carrying pests. To learn more about our services, contact the office at 270-405-8275.
