Growing up, I lived in a sprawling farmhouse in the country. This beautiful home was constantly filled with the sounds of laughter and the smells of delectable food being prepared in the kitchen. Unfortunately, our home was often invaded by some unwanted guests, ants. Pesky ants would welcome themselves into our living room, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms, and bathrooms. One night, I crawled into my bed only to discover I wasn’t alone. Ants had somehow climbed onto my bed! These destructive ants even ate holes in some of the clothing hanging in my closet. Is your home filled with unwanted, biting ants? On this blog, you will discover the latest methods pest control specialists use to rid homes of pesky ants.
Those Pesky Ants
Fleas: Myths And Misconceptions
Logan Watson
According to Revival Animal Health, Americans spend a whopping $9 million dollars every year trying to get rid of fleas, from both their pets and their home. If you've ever been the victim of a flea infestation, you know how irritating and difficult it will be to eliminate these unruly pests. There is a lot of information floating around about fleas and unfortunately, some of it simply isn't accurate. Here are a few common myths and misconceptions about fleas:
Seeing a Few Fleas Isn't a Problem
Even if you're treating your pets often to prevent fleas, it's still not uncommon to see a few of these unwanted pests in their coat. Fleas can sometimes attach themselves to your cat or dog while they are outdoors and come into contact with other animals that are infested, such as other dogs, cats or wild animals, such as raccoons.
If you're treating your pets with anti-flea medications, these fleas will most likely perish and will not reproduce inside your home. However, if you are not treating your pets against fleas and you find even a single insect on your cat and dog, you may have a serious problem. In many cases, a single flea found in your pet's coat can mean there is a much bigger issue hiding under the surface. The fleas may have already laid eggs in hidden areas throughout your home.
Once you find a flea on your pet's coat and they have not previously been treated, it's time to speak to your veterinarian. There are several products available that will help kill the fleas that are already present, and prevent any new fleas from making your pets and house their new home.
I Only Need to Treat My Pets During a Flea Infestation
You've found a few fleas on your pet and decided to take action. You purchased several different varieties of treatments for your pet and are fighting the war with fleas. Once the fleas are eliminated from your pets, the war is over, right? Unfortunately, in addition to infesting your pets, fleas will also infest every nook and cranny in your home.
There are several easy ways you can check for a flea infestation in your home, including:
- Check for flea droppings – Fleas will leave behind small piles of feces that resemble black pepper. This is actually the food for their young and a clear sign you have a flea infestation.
- Examine your carpets – Fleas are attracted to the warmth of your carpet, so they are the best place to look. Use a magnifying glass and inspect the carpets for eggs, droppings and the fleas, themselves.
- Create a flea trap – Finally, there is a simple trap that can help you detect the presence of fleas. Fill a shallow bowl with soapy water and put it underneath a lamp. The fleas will be attracted to the light, heat and water. They will enter the bowl and perish. Check the bowl several times a day and if you find several dead fleas, you may have an infestation.
I Don't Need a Professional Exterminator to Get Rid of Fleas
Once you determine your home has a flea problem, you might assume you can get rid of these pests on your own. Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to completely eliminate fleas and their eggs from your home without the assistance of a professional. An exterminator will have the knowledge, tools and products necessary to completely put an end to your flea problem.
Fleas are a fact of life that can unfortunately, infest your pets and home. If you suspect you have a flea infestation in your home, don't hesitate to contact a professional, such as those at Albemarle Termite & Pest Control, for help.
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