If you have ever owned a pet, especially an outdoor dog or cat, then there is a good chance you have dealt with fleas—tiny dirt-sized pests with a hunger for blood. If you have ever chased a flea across the body of your pet with your fingers, all while watching it dart, duck, and weave through patches of fur before mysteriously disappearing without a trace, then you might know the struggle a flea infestation brings.
How Are They A Threat?
“Fleas can cause a wide variety of issues for your pets,” says Dr. Adam Denish of Rhawnhurst Animal Hospital in Pennsylvania. One more common issue is called flea bite dermatitis, an allergy to flea saliva. “It leads to intense itching and scratching for your pet. That constant itching allows the skin to break open and form scabs that can become infected. It can happen on any area of the skin,” says Dr. Denish. If your pet is exhibiting these symptoms, consider bringing your pet to a veterinarian for professional care.
How Did They Get In?
Most commonly fleas will piggyback their way into your home on the pelts of your furry pets. Generally, fleas reside outside our homes in the trees, grass, and dirt. That is until they can find a source of food—usually being a wild animal—or, in this case, your pet. On that note, if you often feed the wild animals that regularly visit your property, take into consideration that many of these wild animals may be teaming with fleas and that the closer these animals are to your home, the more of a chance the fleas have to hop off and hop onto your pet. Another way fleas sneak in is on second-hand furniture. Flea markets can be just as their name suggests, flea markets. It is not uncommon to find fleas and their eggs on rugs and other used furniture. Consider scanning new items for fleas and flea eggs before bringing them into your home. Once they’re in, they’re in. Hiding in the cracks of wooden floors, squeezed behind baseboards, and more often than not, crawling over your pets. Fleas, though tiny, present a big problem.
How Can Quick-Kill Help?
Here at Quick-Kill Eliminators, we take the safety of you and your pets very seriously. While a veterinarian takes care of the fleas on your pet, we are here to take care of the fleas in your home in Davenport or throughout the Quad-City area's. We have qualified pest professionals on staff for just that. With proven pest elimination programs, we will have your home flea free in no time. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a free inspection of your home, give us a call today!