Dogs and cats are most associated with fleas, but without proper treatment and control, fleas can multiply quickly and start to become a major problem for you and your family as well. If you do not know the signs of fleas, chances are good that they will not be discovered until you have a full-blown infestation on your hands.
Fleas are small, wingless insects that rely on blood from a host animal for their survival. They are most often reddish-brown with a thin, flat body and powerful back legs for jumping. Fleas like to feed on furry animals like dogs, cats, rabbits, mice, rats, and more. They will also feed on humans, if needed.
Common signs of a flea infestation include:
- A dog or cat that is constantly scratching, licking, or biting itself
- Small bites on pets or humans that are red, swollen, and itchy
- Hair loss on your pet
- Red patches on your pet’s skin (flea saliva can cause an allergic reaction in some cases)
- Seeing live fleas on your pets or jumping around in the carpet
- Flea feces around pet sleeping areas, carpets, and furniture. Flea feces is often known as “flea dirt” and is said to look like coarse ground black pepper.
- Flea eggs in pet beds, on the floor, or other areas where pets spend time. Flea eggs are small and translucent, so they can often be very difficult to spot.
If you have seen any of these signs of fleas in your home or on your pets, the time to treat them is now. Start by talking with your vet about a prescription flea and tick medication to help your animals. Then go to work on your home. Thoroughly vacuum your home, especially areas where your pets spend a lot of time. Wash their bedding in hot water to kill any live fleas and continue to wash it often to prevent more. Next, head outside to your yard to get rid of flea habitat. Trim your lawn and shrubs, clear away debris that provides shelter, and remove leaf litter. Lastly, consider hiring a professional pest company to spray your yard and home with a pet-safe flea treatment. These treatments are important because they kill all stages of fleas including eggs, pupa, larvae, and adults.
Toronto Flea Control
If you need flea control in Toronto, contact GTA Toronto Pest Control. Our friendly staff and experienced technicians will work with you to take care of your pest problems as soon as possible. From Vaughan and Brampton to Milton and Mississauga and everywhere in between, we are your best bet for pest control in the greater Toronto area. Visit www.gtatorontopestcontrol.ca for more information.
